"Coming out"

January 17, 2007 5:38am CST
I was just responding to a discussion about homosexuality in the armed forces, and it got me thinking. What is the big deal over people "coming out" and telling people that they are gay. I mean, we don't suddenly decide to tell everyone that we are straight, so what is the difference if you are gay. Who cares? What business is it of anyones apart from the individual? Is it society who places such pressures on us, that anyone "different" feels that they have to let people know?
2 responses
@CatEyes (2448)
• United States
17 Jan 07
You won't believe the stigma it has. For someone who is straight like me, when I tell someone I am Catholic I get the 3rd degree for no reason. It's as if I have to hid it (which I refuse to do) and it hurt terribly when people make fun of my religion and me for my life choices. Now it seems as if it is taboo to be Catholic.
17 Jan 07
It is crazy, it's not like you are hurting anyone with your choice of religion. I think that as long as you aren't trying to force you life choice, beliefs etc onto other people, then what on earth could be the problem with your choice to be a practicing Catholic?
@Ravenladyj (22904)
• United States
17 Jan 07
of course we, well I do at least, feel the need to let ppl know what I'm about..I have no shame in who I am and I think that with society being so damn intolerant and cruel its only fair to let ppl knwo where I stand and where I'm coming from so they know to act accordingly for both themselves and me/my family ya know....I dont see why I should hide myself just to make others comfortable.....Straights dont need to "say" they are straight becuase its generally obvious in body language, attitude, social behaviour etc....g/l/b tend to send out "mixed" signals as far as many are concerned so why not be open and honest right from the start?