Some buttons promoting LGBT awareness. (Submitted by Curtis Baldwinson)

Bio: Curtis Baldwinson is an openly gay high school student and entrepreneur in Vancouver. He is in his graduating year and balances school with running an e-commerce platform business.


My story:

I held the kitchen counter for support as I trembled, my father clasped his hands to his face with remorse and cried to the heavens, "I can't believe this!" No, he was not griping about customers failing to pay, or about impending economic troubles, but rather I finally informed him, "I like. . . guys."
 
In the past year, I've gained a reputation for being what many have praised as "brave" for my openness regarding my sexuality. Personally, I feel it is less of being brave and more of simply caring exponentially less about the hopeless teenagers and so-called "adults" who concern themselves with other people's sexuality. I recently made the move to a public high school in South Surrey, and am stunned with the level of acceptance for LGBT youth here. As I walk down the hallways and interact with classmates, reservations about my sexuality appear to be the least of their concerns.
 
One night, Facebook presented yet another unexpected surplus of usefulness as I discovered the "It Gets Better" project. Watching those videos was an intense burst of self-esteem and hope for the future. As life and my acceptance from others has improved to this day, the entire project seemed to confirm my every feeling that life gets better. The advice I've given to closeted youth seems to be more common than I expected, that when you graduate you have a huge opportunity to choose the people you associate with. Having refreshed myself with another selection of those inspirational messages, I feel that an amazing step towards majority acceptance of LGBT people has been made. It isn't just activist adults shouting out for gay rights, LGBT youth are taking advantage of their common household cameras and outreaching worldwide to tell others like them that "it gets better."
 
While my life has improved drastically, all is not perfect. I never invite gay or lesbian friends over, and I continue to hide my boyfriend and relationship aspects of my life from parents. But I draw the support of my friends, especially other LGBT youth. It took me years to discover that there are gay youth centres and gay/straight alliances, havens to meet others who share similar experiences to mine.

If I had to state a regret, it would be not looking around and Google-ing LGBT youth centres like Vancouver's "Qmunity." Ever since going to these places, I've found my place of acceptance even at the worst of times.
 
As a last word to parents, if your son or daughter is LGBT, they probably have it hard enough as it is. We need your love and support, just as you did as a child.

Are you an LGBT teen? Have you dealt with homophobia and bullying?
CBCNews.ca Your Voice wants to hear your story. Send us an email at yournews@cbc.ca. You can read blog entries by other LGBT youths in our Citizen Bytes section.