Finding Myself In The Real World

Chapter 7

*Above picture is Katie*

Xander learned about Tumblr when he was 14. Tumblr was a fantastic opportunity for him. He was able to express himself anonymously through imaybegaybuticanstillthinkstraight. He followed many accounts that opened his eyes to how the world reacted to gay people. He was able to learn about everyday news and how things were progressing in different areas. He loved to stalk hot guys and boost his esteem by watching videos on how other gay people have gone through life and risen to the top in the end.

"I was bullied. A lot. All throughout the end of elementary school, high school and a little bit of university I was teased about my sexual orientation and I had to get over it. I knew people would always judge me wherever I went, eventually, I just learned to ignore it and focus on my own life." Xander nodded as a man on the computer talked to an interviewer. He silently grabbed his Coke and chugged half the can down. He didn't take his eyes off the computer as the man spotted his husband and gestured him over. Xander smiled as he took in the two smiled at the men, they interlocked their hands and turned back to the interviewer.

"When I met Drew I knew it was fate. I couldn't have done what I have without him." The man smiled and looked at his blonde haired husband.

"Jase came over to me all shy and awkward. He asked me if I wanted a drink and then started stuttering because he didn't even know if I was gay." Drew explained the first time Jase and he met and Xander chuckled.

"We've been together for about 12 years now and been married for 4 years. We are still young and many things can change but I know in my heart this man will always be with me through the rough and the happy times. No matter how many bumps we go over, he will always be there for me and I will always be there for him." Jase finished gently pressing a kiss to Jase's head.

"That is such a sweet story. Thank you so much for your time and enjoy the rest of your time at the Oscar Awards. I hear you will be presenting an award Drew, that your husband is nominated for?" The interviewer smiled brightly and shoved the mic closer to the two men. Xander leaned forward as he heard this.

"Yes, I will be. I guess we may see you later." Drew smiled slyly and waved to some fans, moving away from the camera. Xander fast forwarded the video past the introduction and stopped when he saw Drew come onto the stage, now inside the large stadium/hall.

"These are the nominees for Best Male Actor in Action." Once again Xander forwarded past the small clip of nominees and he smiled when Jase stood and hugged the people surrounding him. He walked up to the stage and then in front of everyone he pressed a sweet kiss to his husband's cheek. He turned to the mic and the clip cut off.

"WHAT?" Xander screeched. Annoyed he exited the clip and continued to scroll down his Tumblr timeline. Bored, he exited the app as well and leaned back in his chair.

'At the Oscar's..." Xander sighed happily. Having two gay guys kiss on live TV in front of the most famous celebrities, the biggest audience (at the show and behind the TV), and one of the biggest award shows was a huge step in the right direction.

~<>~

Xander learned the world was starting to grow up, and not just because of that clip he had seen so many months ago. President Obama had just announced a law that stated gay marriage was legal in all of the US, many celebrities were starting to come out of the closet (Sam Smith had announced he was gay about a year ago), and there was even a change in his high school, there was a new lesbian couple... At the end of grade 11, Lucy had finally gathered up the courage to ask her friend, Katie, from English out (after much encouragement from Brody, Xander, and Elijah) and the two have been going strong for about two months. They were out in school, and the two always held hands when walking down the hallway. If ever Lucy was bullied, Brody, Xander, Elijah and one of the three boys new friends, the twins, Christian and Zach (new to the school) turned into big brothers.