~The Cher Within, by Paul R
“Growing up gay in a small, midwestern community, I struggled to feel comfortable in my own skin. I was bullied relentlessly for being so effeminate, and my nickname was ‘The Big Gay Fairy’ at a time when I didn’t even know what the word gay meant. I was fascinated with divas like Dolly Parton, Madonna, and Cher, because they could be as flamboyant as they wanted and never have to deal with the same repercussions I did in the locker room after gym class. This painting is about my belief that everyone should be free to celebrate their inner diva.”
You Will Rise Project 
I pray the day comes when no one is ridiculed and made to feel bad about themselves for being who they are. I'm sorry you had to go that. My heart goes out to the kid in you who was made to feel bad about yourself. There are so many of us who accept people for just being who they are. Although a lot of work still has to be done, together we are changing the world, one narrow mind at a time.