October 11th is "National Coming Out Day"
By cyntrow
@cyntrow (8523)
United States
October 8, 2007 4:43pm CST
What, if anything, does this mean to you? I have always felt that "coming out" was a personal decision that must be based upon numerous factors. Gay men and women often have family that they KNOW beyond a doubt will disapprove and even react angrily or violently. I understand the sentiment. I just wonder if they should, instead have another title and perhaps tips on how to "come out" if the individual feels the necessity.
any thoughts??
3 people like this
3 responses
@mummymo (23706)
•
10 Oct 07
Wow! Well sweety you know my situation already and i am not sure how I feel about a national 'coming out day'. I think on the positive side it is good to have acceptance and let people know that they are not wrong simply for being themselves but on the negative side no one should feel forced into 'coming out'.
As for those relatives who will react viciously I am pretty sure my son will have to face some of them but I will be right there beside him when he does! Definitely have split thoughts on this once - I am going to try and think about it some more! xxxx
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
11 Oct 07
Yeah, I'm with you. My son came out to me because he knew he could. My brother came out to my folks because he knew he could. I dn't think gays should come out to potential hostility among those they love the most, unless it is a great reason; ie, finding the love of their lives.
Thanks for responding. I think we are on the same page. Maybe we can be in-laws someday. LOL.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I am not gay so this is a guess.If you can come out , you should to everyone. But if you Know that it will damage your relationships or worse threaten your life, it wouldn't be safe, then stay in the closet.I have seen on Logo's show Coming Out where the person is terrified what their love ones were going to disowned them or be furious and they take it so well. In one story, He came out to his conservative aunts and they were like so, we knew that and we love you.So if a gay/ lesbian is thinking that their love one will take it badly, they may be surprised.So hope for the best and prepare for the worst. I wish everyone could come out.It seems that if you can be the real with everyone, you will be happier.
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I love LOGO's "coming out stories." The show is fantastic. I do wish everyone could "come out" but we as a society have not reached that point yet. I guess as long as a person can admit it to him/herself, they are in a better place than some of their counterparts.
1 person likes this
@lancingboy (1385)
• United States
9 Oct 07
I feel sorry for anyone in my family who decides to come out of the closet. Most of the members bad mouth them and all. Everytime they see a gay person on TV, they use derogatory names and then start quoting the bible on why homosexuality is wrong (although there was a gay marriage covenant in the bible and these individuals choose a verse or two instead of reading the whole chapter). You know how they are. They tell the story of Sodom and Gomorah, although it says nothing on homosexuality in regards to the cities being destroyed. I guess that is just the small mindness of people like that. I don't like to associate myself with them.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
9 Oct 07
Lancingboy I feel sorry for your family members.It is sad when people hate just because their interpretation of their religion.They will be left behind when the rest of society fully excepts gays and truly grants them their full rights. It is the last civil rights fight left and it will be won.
@cripfemme (7698)
• United States
10 Oct 09
It's very important to me, I feel that people should always come out, as long as they feel it's safe to do so (I know in some cases it's not. I know from personal experience how hard it can be to lie, even by omission, on a regular basis to people who care about you and who you care about you.
