Are there anyone here that's a "late bloomer"? Someone who recognized their sexuality a little later in life (20's, 30's, 40+)? Did you feel a little embarrassed in the beginning with being true to how you feel and if so how'd you come to terms with yourself?
I knew I was gay in my teens but lived in a state of constant denial about it. I told myself it was just a phase I'd grow out of eventually, but that never happened. I didn't really start to accept it until my 20s and didn't start coming out to people until a few years ago. For me I think it was a mixture of growing up in a staunchly conservative community, the constant homophobia spewed by my dad, and being uncomfortable with sexuality in general because of abuse when I was young. What helped me through all that was my mom, who was supportive of me since I first came out to her, finding a circle of friends who are open and accepting, getting some therapy to help with the abuse issues, and finally moving away from the conservative area I grew up in. It wasn't easy and at times it seemed hopeless, but there was a light at the end of the tunnel. I feel so much better about myself than I did ten years ago.
I'm definitely a late bloomer. I only figured it out earlier this year, at 23 years old. At first I was shocked and relieved as I could finally put a name to what I was going through, but also couldn't believe that I was not straight like I had thought for all of my life. Was I embarassed that I hadn't figured it out sooner? Yes. Despite finally realizing myself, I was also trying my damndest to be fully straight. I just couldn't accept that I wasn't straight. I had no problems with the LGBT community prior to this, I just never thought I'd be a part of it. I just eventually embraced it. I realized I found men and women sexy and couldn't give up feelings for either. I think what also helped me was that everyone that I came out to was extremely supportive. I'm much happier now than when I first realized, but I still have a long way to go.