How the GLSEN Ambassadors Summit Changed My Life

My experience at the GLSEN Student Ambassadors Summit was truly one of the best times of my life. I met so many wonderful people whom I am honored to call friends. I also met so many influential people who have shaped my life for the better. Hearing so many inspiring stories gave me a brand new outlook on life.

I never expected to be one of the finalists, and once I was told I would be attending the Media Summit my jaw automatically fell to the floor. I was so excited and nervous at the same time. I tried so hard to keep it to myself, but I was filled with so much excitement I couldn't help but tell all my beloved friends and family, who encouraged me to go, knowing it would make me really happy. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew in my heart no matter the outcome I would leave the Summit filled with much contentment and a new mindset.

I learned so much while attending the Media Summit, but out of every experience I encountered, I will never forget my co-ambassadors. It’s surprising that people who were strangers just a couple of weeks ago became very good friends in a short amount of time. We all created strong friendships doing something that meant so much to us: giving a voice to the LGBT community, and advocating for safer schools. I learned so much from them: I learned that you can be successful regardless of your sexual orientation, and to not be afraid to be yourself because of what people might think.

My experience at the Media Summit really changed me. I was so inspired by everyone's coming-out stories that on the day of my return, I fully came out to my mom. In the past, I had told her I was bisexual in hopes that she could accept me more easily, but that was a lie. For a very long time I knew I was gay, but I didn't want to accept it. I lived in fear for many years. That all changed because of the Media Summit. I became more confident, I became happier, and I became a new person—one who now wants to make a change in this world.

Now that the Media Summit is over, I will share my story in hopes of inspiring others. I will begin to blog, vlog, and anything possible to reach as many people as I can. I want to inspire people not to live in fear, but to embrace who they are. Thank you, GLSEN, for teaching me so many useful and wonderful skills, for making me realize how truly special I am, and for giving me a family. 

Dustin G. is a GLSEN Student Ambassador.