I learned that coming out can really increase your confidence and make you feel more comfortable with yourself overall.
I leaned that you'll get the most surprising responses from people; and all that fear you had about negative responses is likely all in your head, and you worked yourself up for nothing. The people I thought were going to queer bash me turned out to be my best supporters, with someone asking me who they had to fight after I made a vague Facebook post about transphobia.
#1 Oh... Well usually that whatever it was that I was identifying with actually didn't accurately portray my identity. It can be seriously confusing when you have such a limited understanding on sexuality and gender identity/expression, and even worse when there's a lack of resources to educate oneself with. #2 If you get yourself in the situation where you may possibly come out and you get a strong gut feeling to be cautious or to not do it at all, you should listen! #3 Don't fall for the pressure that you are obligated to tell everyone your personal business, unless you feel 100% comfortable enough to do so.
I have found that even non Christians will try and hit you over the head with the bible. Also, some people i thought wouldn’t have a problem with it did and people I thought would have a problem with it didn't. So ya never know.
I learned that, you make your own happiness, it isn't given to you by anyone or anything else. Community has more than one meaning and the LGBT community is certainly not what most people expect. Sexuality alone is no reason for two people to like each other. Coming out is only the first step to being comfortable with your sexuality. True friends aren't the ones who kiss your arse all the time, they're the ones that tell you the truth. Stereotypes are grossly misleading. Some people thrive on taking offence to other peoples views, actions, lifestyles - there's no point trying to change that. Don't take everything so seriously all the time, make room for fun and happiness.
