I came out to a friend today

Quite a day. And a good one. Earlier in the morning hours, I visited a friend I have known for 10 years. We had not seen each other for some time but after discussing her current situations with work and how the holidays were she asked if I had anything new to talk about. Now a disclosure, I was planning to tell her as she is a sweet person and one I feel would have some empathy but it was still a bit nerve wracking leading up to this.

So…I said to her “M…………, I have something to share with you – I am discrete about this but at the same time do feel I need to tell you and that is that I am coming out of the closet…slowly. I am gay”.

Probably the best moment of my life in the last 10 years saying those words out loud.

I was calm and collected and the look on her face was one of joy and acceptance. I could not ask for anything better. We discussed my coming out for over an hour and how different people realize that they are gay. I said of course I am a late bloomer and for everyone, the journey is different but at the same time when I accepted it, I knew I had to share this with others. I told her how I evolved and that I am comfortable with who I am. Her words were….’fantastic, because you know who you are and not everyone knows themselves. You have one life to live.” I held nothing back. Nothing and it was odd and also liberating to say that I was a gay man to someone out loud. I have come out before but only via email and phone. Today was different. It was face to face with someone. I realize not every time will be smooth but I have to push on in my journey and this was one step. A step I wanted to take.

My name is Peter and I am proud to be gay.

 

Thank you all. Very much moved by your support and friendship.