Juliana Stuhr

Living With a Secret

The Hardest Thing to Tell My Parents

High School is the time teenagers find out who they are and it is not easy. Senior, Juliana Stuhr overcame the pressure and fear and showed the world who she really is.

Middle school was a difficult time for Stuhr. She realized she did not dress like all the other girls. She spent most of her time with guys, enjoying the things they did more than what other girls were doing. Despite her differences, she never doubted herself as a person.a

“I felt good about myself,” said Stuhr. “I finally figured out who I really am, and I never once tried to cover it up.”It was not all easy for Stuhr though. As high school rolled around, she was all but prepared for the things people had to say about her.

Other people’s opinions hurt us whether we say they do or not. Stuhr struggled during the beginning when she first came out, but now she pays no attention to it. A good group of friends can make difficult times much easier. Stuhr had found herself a good group of friends who supported her and had no opinion on her decision.

“A whole group of girls would make fun of me,” said Stuhr. “Rumors would go around about things I didn’t even do, and people would ask me uncomfortably personal questions.”

The scary part for Stuhr was how her parents would react to her coming out.

“I did not get the chance to tell my parents,” said Stuhr. “I was with my girlfriend and her parents at a fish fry restaurant. One of my dad’s coworkers was there and told my dad that I was acting weird with my girlfriend. A couple days later, I arrived home from school and both my parents sat me down and we had a talk.”

Stuhr’s father was raised by a catholic family, which was why Stuhr hesitated to tell her parents. She did not want to put a strain on her relationship with her parents; she lives with them and sees them every day.

“They both told me they still love me, and my mom said she suspected it,” said Stuhr. “Since I was little, I’ve always worn long shorts and dressed like how boys do. My mom tried everything to get me to dress girly, but I refused. She even threw some of my clothes away.”

Stuhr was much happier when she came out. She wanted to be herself and stay true to herself. Now, she has no reason to keep secrets and she continues her life knowing she conquered her fear.

“If I could tell someone in the closet one thing, it is to not be scared,” said Stuhr “People think they are alone but that is not true. I was terrified when my parents found out, but they still look at me as their little girl.”

All high school students are finding out who they are. Society makes it challenging for these people to be honest with themselves about these things. Stuhr shows how it is better to face your fear and be true to yourself, rather than stay in the closet and forever wonder what it would be like to show the world who you truly are. I felt good about myself, I finally figured out who I really am, and I never once tried to cover it up. “