@thegaygood. On it, the author presents ‘7 things I wish straight people understood about silently growing up LGBTQIA+’.• Pretending to be heterosexual is emotionally and physically draining.• The fear of being “outed” is incredibly destabilizing.• Somedays you wish you were born differently.• Wondering if your friends will want to remain friends is painful.• Coming out is not a one-time conversation.• After coming out, it can be hard to tell whether you’re being yourself or still putting on an act.