Coming Out Support Group
This community is dedicated to the challenges that gay men and lesbian women face, both between the partners in a relationship and from other influences (family, society, etc.). Find support and talk to others who may be facing the same challenges, and share your experience.
Well, after years and years of fighting the battle, I have decided it's not worth fighting anymore. I'm 43 and I'm gay. It's who I am and I can't live my life for anyone else. I have to be who I was meant to be, to live authentically. I've started coming out to people that I know and trust first. I'm building a circle of support. Eventually I will get to everyone else and they'll have to decide for themselves if I'm worthy of their friendship. If not, no loss to me! I feel like I've lifted a heavy weight off of my shoulders and for the first time in my life, I am not scared to be me!
deleted_user
SO happy for you. It wont be easy, but you have taken the biggest step and you know you have a support network here.
Crash350
Yes, the support has so far been overwhelmingly positive. I started with a couple of close friends that I knew were safe. Then I moved on to my therapist and she has been amazing. I finally told another friend last night. I thought his reaction would be okay, and I was actually blown away. He war very happy for me and is very supportive. He's also very straight!! Today, I opened up to my meditation group with an email talking about my journey. Again, overwhelming support! It's going to get more difficult beginning tonight! I can no longer wait to tell my wife. I know she will ultimately be supportive. I have identified as bisexual for years and she knows I've questioned in the past. I just eventually decide to tuck it away again and pretend everything's alright. So, onward I go!! Thanks for the words of encouragement!
deleted_user
Good luck tonight! I wish the best outcome for you!
Crash350
Things are going pretty well for me right now. My wife is very accepting and understanding while also feeling some grief over the inevitable end of our marriage. I'm going to a gay mens support group meeting tonight and I'm stepping out in to the world as I really am for the first time! Huge weight lifted and shame has been conquered!
deleted_user
Congrats! I came out to my mom a couple of weeks ago. I just turned 22. She was very accepting and I wasn't expecting that. I hope your friends/family is as accepting as my mom was. :-)
deleted_user
One thing I have learned I'm my 44 years is to demand my right to be respected. I have never used a label in regards to my sexuality. Heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender does not exist to me. I am adult and I owe no one an explanation to what I do in the privacy of my bedroom due to the respect to myself and to others. Unfortunately people do not realize that when you come out of tge closet you open the door to a discussion that makes everyone uncomfotable with a subject that should not be talked about with others. Think about it . What you do in your bedroom is not who you are. Who you are is the kind of person you present yourself with the behavior you choose to have in society. It could be kindness generous respectful. We all have the freedom to choose who we want to be and who we sleep with. The only one I will answer to is my Creator. I hope you understand where I am coming from and that no matter what you choose to do my total respect to you and jut try and using your first name as a label out of respect to yourself
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