My coming out story is layered. I came out to myself as bisexual in 2001 or 2002 (I don’t remember which). I never struggled to accept myself as bisexual/pansexual; it was just new information I had about myself, not something to fight or fear. By then I was an adult long living and working on my own. I was also well into planning my departure from the homophobic evangelical church I was a member of, so it wasn’t an issue. I’m blessed in that regard.
I came out to my biological family in 2009, a year after I began dating T. Up until that point they knew T only as my friend. I was going to start publicly talking on social media about T being my partner, and I didn’t want them to find out that way. They didn’t disown me or treat me any differently than usual, and though my immediate family still has a ways to go towards true acceptance and unconditional love, they acknowledge T as my partner. I’m blessed in that regard as well.
I came out publicly on social media in 2012 or so, after reading one too many homophobic posts on my news feed. I had been carefully treading that line, but anger propelled me over it. I’ve never regretted it.
Be who you are. Be safe. If that means not coming out in a public manner, do that. If that means coming out and letting go of friendships and family relationships, do that. And no matter what, love and accept yourself.
One response to “My Coming Out Story for National Coming Out Day”
Beautifully said. I’m glad your family realized that family is more important than what others think. Glad that they treated you with the love you deserve. I got locked out of my MM G+ account. I’m so glad I had your blog bookmarked. Drop me a line at my other email address. Let me know how you are. I’ve wondered how you ‘ve been.
MM AKA Lynn