Man, Cyran0, you just cut me to the heart with your writing. It's so honest, frank, and poignant. I hate that 'boys will be boys' attitude. People who have that attitude were never on the receiving end of abuse and bullying. I went through all that bullying and non-acceptance from elementary through highschool. I don't think I'll ever get over it. How can you? My dad's big phrase was, "Just ignore it."

But you know, my saving grace was/is in the arts. And I think artists are such sensitive, honest kind of people because of the pain they've been through. Through art, our pain can be transformed.

You survived, man, and look at all the talent you have, not to mention such a caring heart. . .thanks for sharing your story. . .