‘I’ve Wanted To Be Straight For So Long’

Cameron Kasky at the 2018 March for Our Lives rally

Cameron Kasky, a survivor of the deadly 2018 Parkland school shooting, came out today via a letter posted on his Twitter account.

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Following the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, Kasky stepped up and into the national spotlight with several of his fellow school survivors including David Hogg and openly bisexual Emma González. Kasky and company helped organize the 2018 March for Our Lives event advocating gun reform legislation to stem the tide of mass shootings in the U.S.

In 2019, he was invited to attend the State of the Union address as a guest of Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA).

Kasky, who is now a student at Columbia University, begins his open letter on a light note writing, “Hi, got a second? How about a minute? Alright, great, I’m queer.”

Nice and to the point.

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https://twitter.com/cameron_kasky/status/1437507403449311236

He continued saying he doesn’t know “exactly what ‘type’ of queer” he is, but he’s ok with that. He might be bi, he might be demisexual (sexual attraction based solely on emotional connection), but he’ll figure that out later.

Kasky shares that his journey towards self-acceptance has been going on for years before adding, “I’ve wanted to be straight for so long. A straight guy who’s done some gay stuff here and there. There’s so much security in heterosexuality.”

Along the way, the 21-year-old acknowledged the privilege he experiences being a white cisgender man: “Queer people who are not white cisgender men are subject to infinitely more doubt, anguish, and discrimination than I will ever face.”

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Additionally, Kasky tipped his hat to queer activists – specifically queer activists of color – who paved the way for him to be able to come out today.

Kasky also clapped back at naysayers who poo-poo the concept of bisexuality.

“Bisexual men are told they’re just gay but afraid to admit it and bisexual women are told they’re just straight and having a little fun,” Kasky wrote. “We need this to change forever.”

https://twitter.com/cameron_kasky/status/1437519485800488966

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He closed the missive with some advice to others searching to find themselves:

“To those of you who are also struggling to find an identity that you find authentic, take your time. Look inwards and indulge in your beauty and light. You’ll find so much to love, so much to be proud of.”

Kasky followed up with some playful tweets including an invite to Lil Nas X:

https://twitter.com/cameron_kasky/status/1437560814509215746

https://twitter.com/cameron_kasky/status/1437519926940610560

(Lead image via screen capture/YouTube)

9 thoughts on “‘I’ve Wanted To Be Straight For So Long’”

  1. Fake tears for fake stories with fake actors playing in a fake play about nothing you should worry your little head about. The world today…

    Reply
    • Remember when all these CIA FBI nazi kids raided the streets after the botched staged demonstration trying to disarmed the entire country? Holy shit what a fun time that was 😀

      Reply
  2. It’s so difficult to find yourself in a world that’s been trying to mould you in to what they think which does tend to be a binary either that or that and tenders to be based on your upbringing. I am sure Cam will help inspire so many younger and older people who are currently or will be in the same position and some who will find themselves in the future.

    Reply
  3. Let’s see, sexually, do i like guys, girls, or maybe both? Ummm…I like guys. Great…now THAT’S decided…move on. Let’s see, what’s for dinner…Ummmm?

    Reply
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  5. Bitch Phhhhhlllllllllleeeeeease I was out of the closet long before it was even cool to be out of the closet.
    Non-Compensated “Queer” Vietnam Veteran

    Reply
    • Allow me to personally thank you for not only your service, but also for doing the difficult work in earlier years in order to pave the way for the more welcoming environment that many enjoy today. It would behoove many people who thrive in this new environment, and deservedly so, to take a moment to thank GLBTQIA+ people who have come before for laying the groundwork.

      Reply
    • This is literally such an innocuous statement how have you managed to become so bitter.

      Love that younger people, especially with audiences and influence, are feeling comfortable coming out and acknowledging the efforts of queer people throughout history. Good on Cameron.

      Reply

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