And there she was - Dr. Ariel Hanson - an adorable, kindhearted scientist who wanted nothing more than saving her people from invading aliens
At the time, I was caught up in thinking I had no one to take care of me, and my depression and anxiety were eating me from the inside out.
But if such a loving figure could be my friend, or even my... partner? Thinking about her made the negative thoughts stop, at least for a little while.
I denied it at first, but she never left me alone. If my mind was unoccupied, I thought about her. I wrote her name over and over in the margins of my notebooks. I eagerly awaited StarCraft II's release so I could see more than just her pretty face.
All the signs of a lovestruck teenager were there, but I ignored them for as long as I could. Then I came out to myself, and everything got easier.
I've told my mother and a few friends, but that's it. I still play video games, but strictly for enjoyment now.
Ariel's role in the game was disappointing, and I no longer need a coping mechanism. But she will always be special to me, because she set me free.
Amanda - Seattle, Washington
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Click here: "Born This Way: Real Stories of Growing Up Gay" book
Inspired by the "Born This Way Blog" - BornThisWayBlog.com
