This is directed at Stephen Fry, but I understand that it is unrealistic to expect that he finds the time to read everything posted on this forum. If anything, the users on this forum who are reading this can possibly share in my appreciation.
Ever since I was a child, I have always been attracted to both sexes. In the very beginning, I didn't see anything wrong with it. I just thought everyone was the same way. Then middle school came around, and the word "faggot" was introduced to me. Not because I was open about it, but because it was just the cool thing to do, to make fun of faggots and to call people faggots and to think of faggots as being generally the worst kind of person to be. I remember as a child whenever I felt attracted to the same sex I thought to myself, "I'm one of these faggots that they talk about. The worst kind of person." But it was confusing to me, because I also liked girls. I then decided that there was just something wrong with me--some kind of demon inside of me or something. And of course, being brought up in a Catholic school, my suspicions were soon confirmed at a spiritual retreat I took in high school. From then on, I was certain that I was a dirty faggot. But I didn't have any animosity towards the Church. I had animosity towards myself. I AGREED with them that I was a disgusting sinner, and I shared in the Church's hatred and disgust for myself.
A few years later in college, I watched a debate with Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry against the Catholic Church. It was then that I realized that perhaps I'm not such an evil person after-all. I started researching Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry and I watched Stephen's documentary on depression and read Hitchens' books on religion. After being able to relate to Stephen on several levels, and having Hitchens' wisdom to help me along on the philosophical side, I was finally able to come to accept myself for who I am. I am not ashamed to be bisexual and bipolar. I confront my bipolarity with medication, and was able to get my mother diagnosed with it so she could get some help as well. I am able to accept that I am bisexual and I have no objection or self-hatred for it. I'm currently in a monogamous relationship with a girl and am happy as hell. I don't feel ashamed for who I am and I am a million times less terrified now that I know there are other people in this world who share in my struggles, and now that I know that there's absolutely nothing wrong with me.
