Work Text:
November 16th, 2013
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for the birthday present! I haven't actually opened it yet, I'm waiting for my actual birthday for that, but I got your package in the mail this morning.
I'm sure you're probably wondering why I'm writing you a letter when you're right downstairs and I could just go talk to you. Normally I would try to, but this is kind of an important thing and I don't want to mess it up by saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, and this way I can make sure I get out everything I need to. This is making it all sound more dramatic than it really is, so don't be worried. Or maybe it is dramatic, I don't really know. Don't worry. Okay. Here goes.
I'm gay. And a boy.
I don't think I could really say the words out loud, so this is probably better. I think I have been for a really long time, and I realized it about a year ago, but I was too scared to tell you, or even think about it myself. For a while I thought maybe I was a lesbian or something, because I liked having short hair and wearing boy clothes and thought girls were beautiful, but then I realized that wasn't accurate at all and it was really the opposite, that I both liked boys and was a boy.
It was a really confusing time, but then I transferred to Welton and all my new friends were so open that it made it easier to not think about it. They were really helpful with feeling okay with myself and in these first few months at college and living on my own, I had the space to grow into myself and be more comfortable with the way I've always felt but never wholly acknowledged, and I wanted to tell you guys because I don't want you to think I've been lying to you the whole time—I just didn't know how to say it. But I guess now I have.
Anyway, I'm excited to come home for Christmas. As great as it is out here, I do miss home. I hope it'll still be okay that I'm still coming to visit.
Love, your son, Todd
P.S. Oh, also, if you could call me Todd now, that would be really great. After a lot of thought, that's the name I feel like fits me best. It would be really great if you could call me that. Thanks.