From the article: Coming Out Stories
What does it really mean to be out? Of course, the process of coming out starts with understanding and accepting your sexuality, but does being out involve telling anyone other than yourself? Do you have to become your own tabloid with your sexuality written in bold for everyone to see? Or is a part of being out sharing that side of you? Define out.
Readers Decide
CorinnenJan
- Relax your mind for rhe time being, and wait for the legal system's final decision. Then, whatever they should take of the estate, request the State to allow you to buy it. If you do not have all the money to complete the purchase, go on-line and ask us liberal minded individuals to make contributions to your cause. Edward R. Haynes
- —Guest Edward R. Haynes
Being OUT is the accessory you must have
- Being out is the accessory that you must have because once you get it out of the way, the rest is going to be so painless, so effortless. You have to find the people that matter to you most in your life and let them know. I was one that use to feel that it was no one's business but being in this life you realize that everything that you do will effect the people that matter the most. It might not be your immediate family at first because whether you want to believe this or not but there is someone in your life that you haven't told but they know. Sometimes those folks make the entire process seem a bit jarring but in the end it all seems like this huge weigh is lifted off you. This is when you can actually see yourself and see life a bit more clearer. When your entire outlook is cloudy, it can make for some stressful days. When you haven't a care in the world because everyone around you and mainly the people that matter know, your life is going to seem so perfectly blended.
- —Guest Curt
why come out? Just BE
- I am not gay, but my sister is she didn't come out we as a family always just knew. Believe it or not the people closest to you already know as well. I don't understand this coming out...it seems to me that it draws more attention to the myth that somethng is wrong or different about being gay. Just "be" whatever you are is what God created you to be...so be that. Whether you're gay or not you still have to go through the same daily functions as every other human being. We are all confused, scared, ridiculed, have self doubt and self esteem issues. We all look for the approval of others and that is our greatest mistake. Only your Higher Power can make you feel complete, only your Higher Power can give the approval we all seek. I say enough of this coming out...Just BE and enjoy your life...bless you all
- —plentee
Gay Rights After A Partners Death
- I am a lesbian and my partner passed away in Dec 2007. I have been fighting for my rights that my spouse and I believed in. Jan got really ill and went down hill very fast. She did a will on the computor and signed it.There is no kin on her side so she left me our home and vehicles, everything. We married in 1988, not legal but by a lawyer and the same day I took her last name. Canton Ohio court is trying to take everything from me. Our home and 55 Thunderbird n Van. That was our world. We were together for 19 yrs. We were as one and took care of one another. We were each others life. I been fighting the Canton Court for a 1 1/2 yrs. Now the Judge Dixie Parks for Canton, is sending my case to the Attorney General, for him to decide what he wants to do.I been getting excuses , I was told it was a gay inssue from my lawyer. How many others like us will go through this heart ache also. Anyone has anything to say please feel free to tell me. JANS WISHES ARE BEING DENIED..
- —CorinnenJan
Defining "Out"
- Once one comes to grips with being gay, it is their blessing and their curse to inform those around them. Though it should never have to be any tougher than saying to someone, "I'am a dentist" or "I'm a teacher." Unfortunately, it is still touch and go. More often than not, one is surprised by who supports them and who can't "handle" the news. It is a responsibility to inform those that may think they know better than you do about your life to let them know that their decisions, though appreciated, don't coincide with you personal life. This is esspecially necessary when friends and family members try to set you up with someone of the opposite sex. They think they can "change" you, but you have to remind them sometimes. Being "out" means to be willing to inform others (when necessary) that you are gay. You don't need to erite it in the sky, put out a full-page ad in a local publication or put a sign on your front door. When things need clearing up, you should step in to do so.
- —Guest Kmix2000
Being Out is being Free
- I dont think that being out necessarily means to tell everybody, but sometimes that inevitable once you truly become confident in your IDENTIDY as someone who is gay. Not homosexual, but as a member of the gay community. To be able to not hide from yourself, and eventually, not hide from others. To be able to live your life without the chains of fear that someone will discover you. To be empowered by the decision to do what you want with your own life, and not be afraid of what other people say. I would say it is necessary to come out, to at least one person...that way you confirm to yourself that this is truly who you are, and not have the comfort, of "just you knowing". To have the support of others in your life and lifestyle, and to have the ridicule of others because of the same (where there is light, theres dark, right?) To be Free To be not afraid to tell yourself and others. I am Gay.
- —Guest Tyler
