I am Andile –
a 17-year-old boy,
growing up in Motherwell.

I grew up the same as other children.
I grew up different –
My beauty, my voice sounded like a girl.

I was called names
not ever expected by my heart.
All because I was gay –
and proud to be.
How hard it is
to be different.

I am gay
because I love.
I have passion and power
to show the world that
behind each smile, I am hurting.
Please world let me in.

Am proud to be…
I will always be…
gay.
If needs be, I’ll die for being gay.
Please world let me in.