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My name is Chris, and I'm one of thousands of people
here to tell you that life, indeed, gets better.
When I was younger, I was probably just like you.
I felt alone and isolated.
I came from a religious family, and I attended a Christian high school.
I wondered whether I could ever love myself for being gay,
and I doubted that anyone else would.
You know they say. . . that hindsight is 20/20. . .
that with time and experience, you can see things much more clearly
than in the moment when you were living them.
So I wanted to give you a headstart on two things
that I'm confident that you'll see
as you move though life and
as you look back on this moment in time.
The first is you're not alone.
There are thousands of people out there
who are like you — who are questioning or afraid.
And more importantly, there are thousands of people out there
who want to be of support to you.
There are organizations like The Trevor Project,
and there are adults — straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered —
who you can turn to for support, for information, and who can be there to accept you.
The second thing is that you are worthy.
No matter how you feel or what others are telling you,
you are valuable, and you will find love.
You can, and you will choose your tribe
— the people, the friends, the family and your coworkers —
who will love and support you for being you.
I wouldn't change who I am for anything.
I have a great partner and friends and family who love me deeply.
And, at work — the high school of adulthood —
I've chosen an amazing company, and I'm surrounded by amazing coworkers
who care more about what I do then who I choose to date.
I wish you great success in your life.
No matter how bad it is today, I know that it will get better
because I'm part of a movement working to make sure that it will.