Like many gay men, I have been and always will be different. I was different as a child. I was different at school. I'm different today. 

When I finally came out, I thought I would finally start to fit in with the LGBT+ community. But even there I was still different. 

Being different leads to self-doubt, which knocks your confidence, which in turns makes your anxious and before you know it, you've hit rock bottom. As a result, many turn to drink and drugs for release.

This is what happened to me. It is what happens to so many LGBT+ people. 

This all changed when I walked into a boxing gym. I put on the gloves and started training. The more I trained, the less anxious I became. When I started sparring, I stopped doubting myself and found my self-esteem. 

I found boxing. I found a place I fit in. I found myself. 

To help raise money for Mind, the mental health charity which supports LGBT+ people, in April I'm stepping up the challenge and stepping into the ring to fight 👊

Support me in this fight and in the fight to support the LGBT+ community with mental health by donating today. Every pound makes a difference 🙌

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You can follow my journey over the 8 weeks leading up to the fight on Twitter (@anth_ash) and Instagram (anth.ash)

TLDR: The text above is summarised in this video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MkMjjVVC5rI