Sixteen year old Stephanie wrote the following short essay to fulfill application requirements to a prestigious university located in the South.  The university asked applicants to write about significant events in the prospective student's life thus far.  This is Stephanie's response:
 

As I remember monumental incidents in my life, I recall learning to ride a bike, my eighth grade graduation, and my first kiss.  However, what I believe to be the most significant experience of my life is not one many fifteen year old girls will share.  This experience was the night I came out to my mother.

It was an event many months in the making.  In January of 1999 (unbeknownst to my mother), I joined a support group for gay students at my school.  This group helped me to begin to feel comfortable with the person I was.  After several meetings, I came out at my school.  Word got around, and it seemed like there was no one left to tell.  No one that was, but my mom.

The perfect opportunity for me to reveal myself came in the form of an assignment my mom was given in her speech class.  She was supposed to write a persuasive speech on the topic of her choice.  Ironically, and without my knowledge of my "secret", she chose to give her speech on the importance of gay support groups on high school campuses.  Groups just like the one I was so actively involved in.

I accompanied my mom to class on the night of her speech.  As she spoke, I poured my feelings onto paper.  I could not fathom saying the words aloud to her, so writing what I felt seemed like the only option.

The walk through the parking lot seemed endless.  I began to cry in the car.  When my mom got in, I handed her the paper I had written.  The minutes it took her to read it were the longest I have ever endured.

It was not what she said that I remember most, but rather what she did.  She turned and gave me a hug.  I was so relieved.  I slept better than I had in months.

My life has drastically improved since then.  My mother and I regularly attend a support group for gays and lesbians and their families.  My mother has also joined a committee that fights for gay rights.

Now my mom and I are closer than ever.  Opening up to her was the smartest thing I have ever done.  For this reason and many more, I can honestly say that being honest with my mom has been the most special experience of my life.

Stephanie & her mom, Amy
at Phoenix Pride 2000

Footnote:  Stephanie was accepted by the university!!! Way to go, Stephanie!!!