Gay man who fled Iraq reveals all: Being LGBTI is a 'death sentence'
I remember having my first same-sex feelings when I was around nine or 10.
I had a crush on someone and felt excited whenever I saw him, but I didnt really understand what that meant. All I remember is feeling confused.
Since I did not really understand it, I didnt tell anyone. It wasnt a big deal for me and it did not stick with me for long. But in middle school and high school, those feelings started to become more noticeable to me.
I dont remember the details exactly, but my best friend was the first to know in middle school. Generally, I was never really in a closet.
I always expressed my sexuality. It was in vague ways in the beginning like when they asked me why I dont have a girlfriend, I would say because I am not into girls.
At that time, they would add Not into girls in this school? or Not into girls now? but I never corrected them. Maybe because I was afraid, but also because it was them who added that temporary phrase to it. Not me. Thats on them. Not me.
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