Although shocked, my family and our friends welcomed and accepted him with open arms. It was not until May 2015, shortly before high-school graduation, when Jesse came out as gay. I felt like the only source of stability in my rapidly changing life, the only thing that I could control, was swimming.
Despite this, I became more and more concerned with hiding who I was as high school progressed. What began as a simple after-school activity flourished into a love for my team and competition. Although we did not always talk to one another about our sexuality, I was always able to count on Jesse to ease my anxiety and make me smile.Īt an early age I also turned to swimming, which proved to aid as a distraction from my worries. Through middle school and high school, it was reassuring to know that someone was experiencing what I was.
Even though I did not always view it this way, growing up with a twin brother was a blessing in disguise.
