For those of you who don't know, I'm bisexual. Weird, right? Not really. Lately, a friend of mine (We'll call him Kelly) in my shop--obviously also a Marine--has been having issues. Ever since the repeal of the DADT he's been...off. I've known he was gay since comm school. He and I go a ways back, suffice to say. He's never officially come out, but if you ask him--yeah he's gay. As a result, there was a certain degree of ostracization on everyone else's part--there's a few other gay guys (and a few bi's, myself included), but he's sort've on my own.

Well, last week he was having issues--Kelly's got a lot of mental problems, and they finally manifested in physical ailments as well. So for about 7 hours he and I sat in the ER while he was tested on. I'm not complaining, really, but when you're essentially trapped in a room with one other person you get to know them a whole lot more than you used to. After about two hours, he came out to me. I was so proud of him! Yeah, he's awkward as hell (and totally not my type, for the record), but it was nice of him to trust me like that. Like I said, he and I are the only ones who really get along well...either that or I'm the only one with a car, but I don't like to be cynical like that.

Since then, when we're alone I've...progressively talked 'gayer'. I know that I'm heavily, heavily closeted. I'm not trying to sound like a damn champion of equality or whatever, but it's kinda nice. Refreshing, in a way. I haven't been 'myself' in a few years--it just built up, and up and up. Eventually the facade came natural, I guess. The shitty thing is having to turn off the 'accent' after we hang out. It's hard, but getting easier.

And so earlier today, I just kinda...came out and told him. Eye for an eye, for lack of a better term. It's still hard for me to come out and say it, but yeah--I like guys. He was as receptive as I'd hoped, now all I want is for him to keep it quiet. Yeah, it's legal for gays/bisexuals to be in the military but I've been having a rough enough time as is. Don't need to add to it, really. Really don't need to add to it.

I know it's not that big of a deal to some, but it certainly felt good to me. And I'm not saying I sleep around with multiple partners or whatever--I love my girlfriend, I honestly do--I'm just saying it was nice to be honest to myself for once.

Now I just want Kelly to keep his mouth shut.