emiko b. locke

She was born and raised in the bustling city of New York and is known for her quirky personality and love of Korean dramas. As a self-proclaimed lovergirl, she enjoys spending her free time exploring the city and indulging in her guilty pleasure of binge-watching her favorite shows.

My coming out story started when I was just three years old. I remember hiding under my mom’s bed while she watched Dolly Parton on TV. I felt like I was in a safe and comfortable place, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was different about me.

Fast forward five years later, when my sister bought me a PFLAG book at the age of eight. I remember skimming through it, feeling overwhelmed by the stories of other people coming out. I denied my own gayness at the time, convincing myself that I was simply too young to know for sure.

At thirteen, I started dating a senior basketball player. One day, he told me that he thought I might be gay. I laughed it off, but the seed of doubt had been planted. Later that week, I had a dream about unicorns, kissing Aaliyah and Angelina Jolie while the song ”I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross played in the background. I woke up with a jolt, realizing that I was, in fact, gay.

A week after my dream, I mustered up the courage to tell my mom. She asked me if I was the “skirt or the pants” in the relationship, as she washed the same plate over and over again. But my dad had a quick-witted response, saying at least they knew I wouldn’t get pregnant. Finally, I admitted that I was both the pants and the skirt.

My sister walked into the kitchen at that moment and exclaimed, “”I knew it!”” Meanwhile, my brother asked me if I ever found any of his girlfriends attractive. It took ten years for my mom to fully accept my sexuality, but today she stands by my side as I continue to celebrate and embrace my identity.

Even now, years later, I occasionally dream about Dolly, Aaliyah, and Angelina, who frequently show me their boobs and give me kisses. It’s a comforting reminder that, no matter what obstacles I face, I am loved and accepted for who I am.