It’s okay, we’re normal.
By Jermaine Chloe B. Yalung
Rota
I’ve known it for quite some time.
It’s eating me up inside.
I can no longer hide,
The feelings deep inside me.
I feel like a freak.
Who’s always incomplete.
I’m never truly me.
I won’t ever be happy.
I have to let it out.
I wanna scream and shout.
I’m tired of pretending.
IT’S TIME
“Hey Mom, I’m gay.”
And it feels so good to say.
“It’s okay,” she says, and a weight lifts off my chest.
The feeling of depression, suppression, it fades away,
“It’s okay.”
“Hey Dad, I’m gay.”
He’s shocked and turns away.
I wonder what’s going through his head.
Oh, I’m so afraid.
He says, “I love you and that will never change, it’s okay.”
Wow, I never felt this happy.
My family supports me and I’ve finally stopped hiding.
Acceptance.
That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Finally! I’ve got and nothing’s more important.
I feel normal.
I’m gay, and it feels so good to say.
Everyone around that’s just like me should know that it’s okay.
Please.
Just be yourself.
And those who truly love you will always support you.
You’re important.
And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
We all deserve to be happy,
And I shouldn’t have to tell you twice.
It’s okay. We’re normal.
In recognition of Pride Month —a time to celebrate inclusion and diversity, while also recognizing the need to continue advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all— Marianas Variety has partnered with the Northern Marianas Humanities Council to celebrate diversity in our community. The submissions are from the Humanities Councils’ Pride Talks writing contest. The Council is pleased to collaborate with Marianas Variety in sharing and publishing the winning submissions every Wednesday for the month of June. All the winning works will also be on display at the NMI Museum and presented at various Pride events throughout the month. For more information about how you can join the Council in celebrating Pride this year, check out nmhcouncil.org or follow the Council on Facebook or Instagram (@670humanities).
NMHC Pride Talks has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy Demands Wisdom. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this feature do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
