Gay Men's Challenges Support Group
This community is dedicated to the challenges that gay men 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, I finally just started coming out of the closet! Honestly, it feels good to be free of the armor I had put on to protect myself for all these years. I'm gay and I'm glad to finally be able to say with pride! My marriage will come to an end, my kids will hopefully not run away from me, and the rest of my family, well, hopefully they'll be supportive. I, of course, have no control over the way anyone reacts to this. That's on them. I can no longer let anyone else control who I am. So, I'm going on the open market here pretty soon. I have no idea where to begin. It would be nice, eventually, to find someone. I'll be patient of course, but not for too long. Any ideas on where to begin?!
Now you can begin the process of navigating your future. Acclimating yourself to gay culture and this business of men loving men comes with its own set of speed bumps and red alerts. However, it's small in comparison to what you've endured.
Your wife and children will find their way back to you. Allow them time to analyze and process what all of this means. Family agendas and scripts have changed. You will have to continue your role as a father, However, what that relationship now looks like will have to be negotiated.
If possible, consider family counseling--if your children and wife are open to it. Coming out is the greatest thing you could have done for yourself; without question. However, because you love your children and wife, it's important to try and minimize the fallout to them.