Bernenda Marc

So I know that I knew that I had to get out of this mindset.

There are people that cares for me and even dealing with the survivor's guilt, dealing with the things that I buried for so long, I didn't give up on myself because there were so many people in my corner that didn't want me to give up.

And I'm happy I did because now my story can help other people who...

We're that seven-year-old me who's afraid of coming out and living their true life.

It's never too late.

I came out at that age, but I'm happy I did.

A hundred percent.

And yes, I missed out on...

the opportunity to dive into the culture.

And what is that phase?

The slut phase or the hoe phase?

I never went through that, but I'm happy with how I came out because if I didn't, I would have never met my fiance now, who is a huge part of my life, who loves me.

The way that I know I deserve to be loved and I have so much love to give and she's willing to receive all of it.

So that's a beautiful ending to my story and not even ending, but a continuation through the journey of life is that it's never too late.

And don't give up on yourself or the people that you care about.

You never know what their response will be.

So it was like I was also, again, distracting myself and trying to find out who I am without Christine.

Because at the end of the day, I stayed in the same police department she did.

So as much as it was nice to...

continue on with my life, I always have in the back of my head, you know, I just wish Christine was here to see this side of me.