Hi - I saw the article about you through the "France 24" website. I am probably older than your parents (I'm in my early 50s), and I have a son who is a sophomore in college. Although I married a woman and fathered a son, I am a gay man. I was endlessly bullied in High School as well (many years ago). I can assure you that things will be very different when you go to college. People are much more tolerant of differences in the college environment. These days, it's "cool" to have gay friends, and most other students won't bat an eye if you come out to them. It's still incredulous to me that teachers and administrators in the elementary and high school systems ignore the taunting and bullying that occur every day.

If you feel you need a mentor, I would be happy to chat with you. I can share some of my thoughts and experiences with you, and I think you might get some good ideas and coping mechanisms from me. Please note, that I am not interested in anything but a friendship (or mentorship). I know that people think that all of us gay men are seeking minors to "corrupt", but it just isn't true. I have been where you are, though it was many years ago, and there is much more acceptance these days than when I was in school. I wouldn't have dared to come out in the 1970s - I probably would have been killed. As it was, I was taunted, chased, bullied, made fun of, etc. And I wasn't even sure about my sexuality at that point!

I am sure that your parents and some of the teachers and students at your school are supportive of you. People are very ignorant (as you know), and are afraid and judgmental about things with which they are unfamiliar. One of these days, maybe the majority of people will know that being gay is NOT a choice, NOT a "lifestyle", and NOT "curable". It's like trying to change your skin color or eye color.

If you would like to contact me directly, my email is Zebbs@aol.com. If not, I wish you the best of luck. Things will definitely get better, and my guess is that you'll find a great boyfriend in college.

All the best,
Michael

P.S. I also live in Bergen County, NJ