Looking
back at the past year, I will fondly remember it as one of the busiest but also
the best years of my life so far. Many events
have been memorable, every
time I get a positive message from someone struggling with their sexuality on
social networks my heart beams with pride, and when it’s not so positive it’s
allowed me to facilitate help for them. These individuals are who I’ll remember
most.
I had decided to enter the competition after working
with LGBTI teens at a local high school. South African LGBTI youth are in desperate
need of a positive role model. Too many young people resort to suicide and
substance abuse because they believe that being homosexual is a social death
sentence. The youth needed suitable role-models to look up to, who they can be
proud of, and who can help them come to terms with their sexual orientation
without fear. I felt that I could be that person - someone the youth could look
up to and admire. I thought that if they could see that I could be a successful
self-confident person, while being out and proud, they could realise that they
could also be. I sincerely hope that I have achieved this goal this year.
Thank
you all for the amazing support shown throughout the year!
Lance
