i never really fought the labels and stereotypes i was given growing up. never denied rumors or shown myself to the people around me who i really was. and those rumors were actually awful thinking on it now. some people really grew up having those thoughts about me and have gone on for years thinking i was this person they heard about. isn't that strange to think about? someone out there knew you casually for years in school or work or in the neighborhood and you will never fully know how they saw you. its taken me almost 4 years to realize i didn't have to be afraid. nobody would ever stand up for me the way that i could've stood up for myself. although i know now i will forever stand alone for being different around these parts-at least i am left standing being who i really am.