Belton (Texas) high school swimmer Mitch Anderson came out to family, friends and classmates in his graduation speech as salutatorian of his class last Thursday. He said in the speech:
I myself am guilty of self-doubt, relying on others to give my life definition. But that time has passed, and I feel the moment has arrived for me to be publicly true to my personal identity. So now, I can say, I’m gay. It is both a significant portion of who I am and an inconsequential aspect. It’s as natural and effortless to me as breathing. I couldn’t change myself even if I wanted, and believe me, I have.
What's amazing is this was the first time anyone was hearing the news:
He said no one, not even his parents and close friends, knew he was gay prior to the speech. So far, the teenager said reaction has been positive.
"I've received so much support and kindness," Anderson said of fellow classmates and others. "Knowing that [people] found the speech inspirational has been really amazing."
You can find the full text of his speech here. Read more at the Huffington Post.
