Who I Am!!!

Shannon Elliott

10/19/2024

A while back, I shared some blogs about the real me and who I am, but today, I want to be even more honest and open with everyone. There are parts of myself that I’ve never shared, and now feels like the right time to let it all out. This decision has been weighing heavily on my heart, but I believe it’s finally time to be fully transparent, even if it brings backlash from people who know and see me every day.

I am many things: compassionate, funny, hardworking, and lovable. But those labels only scratch the surface of who I truly am. For a long time, I didn’t fully understand myself, and I’ve spent years searching for that missing piece. Have you ever pretended to be something you’re not? That’s been me for most of my life. I’ve been afraid—afraid of losing relationships with family and friends, afraid of being judged. But now, I know that no matter what happens, I’ll bounce back from any downfall that may come.

So, here it is. This is something I’ve wanted to say since high school. We’re in a new century, and it’s time for a change, no matter how big. You’ve probably heard the phrase “coming out of the closet.” I never thought I’d be able to do it, but here I am. I’ve worn a mask for so long, hiding who I am out of fear of rejection. But the truth is, I don’t love just one gender—I love both, equally. Some people may say I’m lying, but I have news for them: I am who I am, and I am proud of it.

I’m proud of the person I’ve become, and I hope that those of you who know me can accept this part of my life. But if you can’t, then I wish you peace and hope you find the same acceptance in your life that I’ve found in mine. I’m ready to live the rest of my years with true freedom, even if it costs me everything I’ve worked for. Because deep down, I know this is the right move to finally be free from the burden of hiding my true self.

I’ve kept this inside for far too long, but now, I’m ready to share my truth: I am bisexual, and I stand proud in that identity. No matter what anyone says or does, I know deep in my heart who I am, and I’m no longer afraid to shout it to the world. For years, I carried the weight of others’ judgment and the fear of rejection, but that fear no longer defines me. Before anyone throws hate or tells me I’m destined for hell, let me be clear—I am finally free to be myself, without shame or apology. If my path leads me to heaven, then so be it. If it leads me to hell, then I’ll face it with my head held high. No one will dictate how I live, who I love, or how I express myself.

I can finally breathe, live, and exist fully as me. This is the life I deserve, and it’s on my own terms now. I’ve wanted to share this for a long time, but the words always felt too heavy to put down. But today, I hope my story reaches someone who needs it. If you’re scared to come out, know that you don’t need to be afraid of who you are. The opinions of those who won’t love and support you unconditionally are meaningless. At the end of the day, I’m still me—I’m just no longer wearing the masks I once did to hide from others, this is me, and I’m finally free to live.