Gavin shares a message for those who might be struggling with their sexuality as we celebrate National Coming Out Day.

Today marks the 28th anniversary of the first National Coming Out Day and I'm here to encourage you to come out and let the world know who you are. I know it's scary, even in this day and age (and sometimes being from Southern Indiana doesn't help), but life can be so much better once you embrace yourself.

I don't even know if I'm fully qualified to speak on this matter. I've never had to face being ostracized from friends or family for who I love. All I can speak on is behalf of all of the people out there who want you to be the best, and most honest, version of you. Its gotta be tough to constantly pretend to be someone you aren't for the acceptance of others; the constant feeling of being forced to perform in a play you never auditioned for. That has to be exhausting.

I've been a proud Ally of the LGBT community for a few years now and it's been an incredibly rewarding experience. It hasn't been without its obstacles to overcome. I don't have a great relationship with my mom because I decide to regularly stand-up for what I believe in my heart of hearts to be true: that love is love no matter what a book or certain people choose to believe.

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I've seen my friends struggle with accepting who they are. They think something is wrong with them or that they've done something to "deserve this." There is NOTHING wrong with you. You are exactly the way you were meant to be. You shouldn't hide who you are just because some people can't get with the program and realize you are more than just who you are sexually attracted to.

None of us can please the world all of the time. People might look down upon you and some might even hate you. It's just an unfair world that we live in. But in accepting who you are, you won't hate yourself. You'll love yourself. You'll love your friends who stick by you. You'll love your family who embrace you. You're current or future partner will love you.

And maybe you won't have the full-embrace of friends and family like some are fortunate enough to receive. But anyone who is worth a damn in your life will stick by you and be happy to see you living and not hiding. They'll be proud of you for being proud of who you are.

I want to celebrate who you are. I don't want you to be ashamed of being you. You DESERVE to be happy and you deserve to be happy on your terms.As we celebrate National Coming Out Day, just remember everyone who walked the path before you. It was just as scary for them as it is for you. But they did it. And you can do it too. I believe in you and I care about you and I want you to openly be who you are. And if it doesn't happen today or tomorrow or the day after that, that's OK. Everyone has their own timetable. But when you do, I am going to be so happy for you. When it's time, it'll be time. And I can't wait to celebrate.

Happy National Coming Out Day!

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