Being a First Class Citizen in A Second Class Worlds

About two weeks ago, I went to San Francisco with Cindy and a few other friends. Bottom line, we had an amazing time. There is nothing I would rather do than move there. I've been there before, but not able to go out and be free and discover this big city on my own terms. There was something liberating about it that I think every college student should experience. Whether you are in Chicago, New York, L.A., S.F., or wherever you want to go, just do it! Don't go with your parents. Don't go with family. Don't go with people who are going there with an agenda in mind. Go there to be free. My girl and I loved it there. We felt so at home. Normally, in Orange County (and most other places for that matter) we feel pretty much like second class citizens. It was so different up there. We felt like we belonged. Neither of us felt ashamed to hold each other in public or hold hands or to show that we loved each other. It was a dream come true... and I didn't want to come back home. I know this blog is a little off topic, but it is relevant to me. It should be relevant to everyone. I really really really hate preaching or acting like a martyr, but the fact is I can't be myself everyday. I can't casually mention that I have a girlfriend in any old conversation. I have to watch myself and who I am talking to and whether or not it could be potentially uncomfortable for them. The sad truth is that, even though the world has come a long way since the 1960s, etc., I still can't get married. I still can't fully be who I am around everyone. I am inhibited not by my own insecurities, but by the insecurities that society projects onto me.