I'm in the process of coming out. It's been quite difficult. I've had to think about how my life will be affected by it, and I have to admit I am more than a little scared about the repercussions for the future. But the thing I am realising is that I've been the same person all along, I have achieved the things I have achieved by being that same person, and none of that has to change - it's only that now I will be more honest with others about an important aspect of my identity. The thing that I've also realised which has helped me through this experience is how empowering it is to be in charge of my own self-image and not to cede control of it to the whims of the majority. What I am trying to say is, sometimes the 'majority' gets it wrong, like with its attitude to GBLTI people. But society has only moved forward through the minority - great thinkers, philosophers, inventors, adventurers have challenged the status quo and have taken society to a higher level.

You don't have to be someone who is marginalised at the very fringe of society, you don't have to be "down and out", depressed, falling further and further into a lack of interest in anything. You can step up and be who you are, you are a normal person, your sexuality is but *one part* of the many important parts of who you are. It is part of what defines you, but it is not 'defining' of you. I have had to learn to see myself as a whole person; although I identify with the term 'gay', it does not capture - and it frankly does not attempt to encapsulate - all the other wonderful things that comprise me as an individual.

GBLTI people have contributed to society in marvellous ways. One example is a current Justice of the High Court of Australia, Michael Kirby, a great legal mind who has done amazing things especially in terms of advocating social and ethical issues. He is an inspiration to me particularly because i am studying law. People like him throughout the ages are very inspiring and it is their work that, slowly but surely, breaks down the misinformation and unsupported opinions within the broader community about GBLTI people.

When you think about it, everyone is part of a 'minority' group in a sense. Be it race, religion, nationality, political leanings, disability, ailment, family situation, personal history... The list could go on forever. All have had to deal with the inherent difficulties of being 'different'. It is sadly part of the human condition. But also part of the human condition is the yearning for a more tolerant, fair, open society, accepting of differences. The evidence is there from year to year, from generation to generation, from age to age that human society is slowly improving in many areas, or finding knowledge to deal with long-standing problems. The recent Time Magazine article 'The Battle over Gay Teens' shows how far we've come, and also how far we have to go. I know much more will be achieved in our generation, as we, purposely or just through the ordinary course of things, make small victories, day by day.

At some time in our lives we have to deal with these thoughts. I have dealt with them over the past two weeks - starting off alone by my thoughts one afternoon, then scrutinising my sexuality and learning more about it, then getting depressed about the future, then finding role models and support and accepting myself, then deciding how to come out, and now coming out. Coming out is a personal victory for me as I improve my character by being more honest about myself.