FebulousFebruary 2026: The Old Photograph

Being gay isn’t always what it seems,

Sometimes it’s a collage of hopeless dreams.

People spreading rumours about you loving men,

Telling you things you’ve known since you were ten.

 ‘What if you get HIV?’ ‘ What if you get AIDS?’

‘At your wedding will you have Best Men or Bridesmaids?’

The questions are endless, but they all make me laugh,

I made my choice to walk down this path.

 I can date who I want, my friends don’t care,

I have enough love for everyone to share.

Coming out was hard, but loving is great,

The world’s too small to dwell on petty hate.

 My friends all love me, my family too,

I love men, and you can too.

Be strong, have faith and smile every day,

Because if you smile, nobody can take your love away.

Paul Willis, 20, Canterbury