Hey, ya’ll, it’s national coming out day. Let’s here it for the homos!!! Seriously though, coming out is a huge step in every gay person’s life, and isn’t something that should be looked upon lightly. It takes the utmost courage to stand up and declare who you are, especially in the face of potential judgment, bigotry, hatred, and in some unfortunate circumstances, harm. I know that it is no surprise to anyone that meets me that I am gay, and that may have always been the case, but it took a long time, and a lot of self reflection, pain, and mental turmoil to come to that conclusion myself. I am glad that I was able to finally come out and be myself, which is something that cannot be truly and accurately described to the point anyone that has not experienced it could truly understand; it is a feeling like you are reborn, and you finally get to be yourself. Unfortunately, in our society, this feeling of freedom, and in many cases, the first time you feel truly happy, comes with the feeling of being outcast, and shunned for the very same reason, which is definitely a shame. Hopefully, one day, we will all live in a world where people can be themselves without fear, and coming out will just be a natural part of a gay person’s life; rather than something that threatens it. Here’s to all us gays, and to all of you that haven’t yet come out (either to yourself, or others), being out and proud takes a lot of guts, and it is a continual process, but it is one that is definitely worth it. Proud. Out. Gay. That’s me!
Since my coming out story is a bit long, and since I have written it before, I though that I would link it here, for those of you that want to know. Happy coming out day!
Happy COD! I’ve been out so long, I often forget what it feels like not to be. It is a big step, but I have never regretted the decision to be myself and share that.
I think one of the first times I ever commented on your blog was last year, for National Coming Out Day. How time flies.
I’d link to my coming out story but, well, you know……
: )
Jeff, thanks for sticking with me, buddy.
Ha! Yea, what Scott said… I can relate. Anyway, I guess I never really had a coming out moment. I knew at a very early age that there was something up with me, but at the time, I didn’t really know what it was all about. I told my Mom when I was 18 (she already suspected), and it eventually filtered down to the rest of my family. In my professional life, my expereince has been that once people have spent any amount of time with me, they’ve figured it out on their own. I’m fortunate and consider myself grateful for having a loving, supportive family and that they’ve welcomed Chris as part of that family. Happy COD!
Yeah! Amen!
I envy all of you who are out. I have never been able to make that step and have never been out at work. For that reason I keep my distance from everybody, never talk about my personal life, and keep all conversations very general and superficial. I’m sure everyone with half a brain must know I’m a big fag (who else would have pics of his cats adorning his cube?) but so far nobody has asked me. I sometimes wish they would. It would probably be a big relief. Maybe they think I’m just plain weird.
Unfortunately I work for a smaller company whose culture is rather conservative, pro-family and not exactly gay-friendly. It would help if I worked somewhere like Turner which seems to be one big gay party.
Great post Duane. Happy Coming Out Day! You could not have described the experience any better! It’s something you can put behind you and truly, finally be who you really are which translates so much more positively to the rest of your life. It’s like I’m finally LIVING it.
Wait you’re gay? What?!
HAHA just kidding.
But I’m not gay, I just sleep with and support all things homosexual. :::WINK:::
Much love to the community, and as well as you Duane. Glad to have you as a friend. And to anyone reading this who is not out. Trust me you feel so much better when out, and yes I know some people have no choice to stay in the closet, but in the words of Christina “DO YA THANG HONEY!”
Happy HOMO DAY!