thoughts on teasing/criticism

[nick79]

I've decided that a person can react to the same criticism in 2 ways, depending on the situation.

eg 1) You're on your own and you get called a "dumb faggot"

eg 2) You're with a group of gay people and you get called a "dumb faggot"

In eg 1), you feel alone and you accept the criticism & get upset.

In eg 2), your friends tell you that the criticism is B.S., you thus dismiss it & call the criticiser an asshole liar.

When you're coming-out you often feel "alone" and react as in eg 1), but hopefully with communities such as EC you can react as in eg 2).

[Red87]

I don't care if people label me honestly. I am what I am, and if they call me a faggot, I don't really care anymore. When I was closeted it used to really bother me, but not anymore. They're honestly just trying to get you worked up and angry, or try and have fun at your expense and boost their ego.

[Cloud Nine 5]

Yeah, that's true. That's part of the reason why I'm still in the closet. It's preety obvious to everyone in the house I could be doing better and go out more, I think coming out would just make them think "OH so he really is weird, that's why he's so bitter and mean". When I come out I want them to look at me like I'm doing awesome and completely fine with the way I am, that I would do just fine even if they didn't accept me.

[beckyg]

I think you just have to be proud of who you are and not be ashamed of yourself because you are gay. Just treat yourself the way you want others to treat you. People do this to get a reaction. If there is no reaction, they will stop. I'd just say something like "Yes, I'm gay and proud of who I am."