The memoir, Running With Scissors, was published in the year 2002. During the 21st Century many Americans were beginning to be open about their sexuality. Gay pride weekend was a weekend created for a positive stance against discrimination and violence. Throughout the memoir, Augusten Burroughs struggles with finding his true sexual identity. At a young age he makes the decision that he is gay and gets his virginity taken by a 33 year old man at the age of 13. As a child, Augusten didn’t hide his sexuailty. He was picked on all throughout school because as he would say… “He doesn’t fit it.” He was judged and put down for being gay from individuals outside of his home.