Well, my name is Jp. & here's my story. I grew up in a pretty normal family, dad was in the military & my mom would take care of my siblings and I. I had a pretty normal childhood, I knew I was different though. It was before I went into kindergarten that I knew I didn't like girls. But of course, I didn't say anything. From 1st through 4th grade everything was perfectly fine. I had friends, I lived a normal life. As I entered the 5th grade, I still had a few friends, but not as much. I would talk to people and they would tell me mean things. I got blamed for stealing money, & books. I didn't think much of it though. I then started to feel alone. I didn't have any friends anymore. I was so sad. My parents were going through a separation, and I blamed myself for it. (I don't know why, I just felt guilty.) At school, I was being bullied more. I was told, "you're not cool cause you don't dress like us." & my teacher was in on it too. She said, "That's true, you should dress better." I cried at my desk, and my teacher said "Don't be a crybaby." During the month of May, we were told to make a Mother's Day gift for our Mom's. My teacher gave us the option to buy tiny pots for our gifts. One was a little more expensive. So I bought the expensive one. I was doing my work one day, and I told my teacher if I could start my gift. She said no, I have to finish my work first. As I turned around she told me. "Oh, you're too late to get a clear pot." I told her but I paid for one. She said, "To bad, you should have finished your work." I started to cry again.. Life at home wasn't easy either. Seeing my parents marriage fall apart was to much for me. I would get yelled at by my dad for not being manly enough about bullies at school. Then something popped into my head. Pain! If I put myself in pain it'll make the pain inside stop.. So that's exactly what I did. I inflicted pain on myself so I wouldn't feel the pain from school and from home. About the last week of school, I was fed up with the bullies. I figured, if I kill myself, it'll be over. I won't suffer anymore. So I wrote on my desk, "I'm gonna kill myself. & I don't care if you tell my parents, or anyone! Bye.." I got home, and took 9 to 10 pills. I was in the bathroom, when my mom rams the door and finds me on the floor.. She knew because the school called her and told her what I wrote. I was rushed to the hospital, and was taken care of.. I was then referred to a psychiatrist. Where I was diagnosed with depression. I was put on medication for two years. In the sixth grade, everything was normal. I just didn't talk to anyone. When I went to the 7th grade, I was starting to be bullied again. I paid no attention to the bullies this time. Until, a note was passed around the whole school about me. I cried everyday in class, the torture had started again. I was put on depression medication again. I was started to feel okay. But not completely. I was under constant watch all the time. 24/7 I went into the 9th grade. & high school was way better than elementary, and middle school. I started to feel comfortable with sexuality. It had just turned 2008, and I remember this day like yesterday. I was going home after school one afternoon. & I heard her, I heard this song called 'Just Dance' and I fell in love! High school was turning out okay. except for the cutting. I went deep with cutting. When I became a senior in High School, it was 2011. & I heard the song 'Born This Way' and I felt even way more comfortable with everything!! I felt so happy with my life. Everything for me changed. As soon as I accepted myself, the world did. Lady Gaga changed my life! She's made me feel confident, brave, empowered! I love her soo much! I wish I could thank her personally. Thank you Lady Gaga.