this message may be offensive
Today is Gerard Way's birthday. He's turning fucking 39, and I can't believe it because he never looks a day over twenty. Thank you so much, Gerard, for showing me a whole new perspective on the world through music and art. When I found My Chemical Romance, I was depressed, cutting, and stuck in the wrong friend group. Gerard taught me how to stand up and that I didn't have to do what everyone else wanted me to do. He taught me that I didn't have to hide who I truly was anymore, and if anyone couldn't deal with that they could walk away. So one day, I didn't go and sit with the friend group I had been in for over two years- the "popular" group. It was scary. There were a lot of harsh stares and whispered words but I put in my headphones and turned my music up loud and suddenly everything seemed like it was going to be okay. I sat down with a group of people who were real, and smart, and easygoing and not afraid to show it. It was a breath of fresh air. I soon started dressing how I wanted to, and doing my makeup how I wanted to, not letting myself be caged in by the expectations of my old friend group. I stopped cutting. I made good friends that I could be myself around. I was happy. And I still am. And the major factor for that was one man named Gerard Way. He has changed my life in so many different ways, not only in the meanings behind his music but in his career itself. He showed me that you can go from being the bullied kid in the back of the classroom who wants to commit suicide to someone who has the potential to change the world. And you did just that, Gerard. You changed my world. You changed our world. You made it. And I am so endlessly proud of you. Happy birthday, and here's to many more.