Jen lived in a small town in New York state when this story took place. She was 12 years old at the time and this is her story:
"I have known that I was gay since I was little. I can't change it and I'm glad that I have people to talk to about it now.
It was the first week at camp that I have been going to for five years. I knew almost everyone and was friends with many people there.
The first dance of the first encampment (session) was later that night. I was scared because I knew that I was different and that there are certain natural boundaries that I can't cross while I am at camp. I didn't want to go to it because I knew that I would just sit on the bleachers for an hour and a half and do nothing.
I had a lot on my mind that afternoon when my best friend Jessica sensed that something was wrong. She pulled me a side and asked me "What's wrong? Is there anything you want to talk to me about?"
I responded "There is something but I don't know if you'll accept it or if it will change things between us."
"Jen, you know that you are like a big sister to me and you can tell me anything. I will love you no matter what."
At that point I knew that I could trust her, but I didn't know how to say it. I just ran into my bunk and started writing until she came in and sat next to me. She said "I don't know what is bothering you, but remember I'm always here for you and I will always love you."
I just handed her the letter that I was writing and started crying because I knew that things were going to change between us. At that time I didn't know they would be for the better.
She finished the letter and gave me a giant hug and said to me " don't care about that. I have a cousin who is gay and it doesn't make a difference to me.
She helped me get through a lot of things that happened while we were at camp, but at the end of camp I needed to talk to someone who was like me. So I sought after a former counselor of mine who I, personally, thought was also a lesbian.
"If I am wrong then I'm wrong, but if I'm right then I hope I can talk to you. I'm different, Kelly..." I said to her that day at the playground. She understood where I was coming from and helped me in so many ways.
"Jen, you don't need to say anything else. You can talk to me whenever you need someone to vent to. I will always be there for you."
I have talked to both Jessica and Kelly almost everyday since I came out and my relationship with each of them keeps getting stronger each every time I talk to them."