Coming out on Facebook... in a big way

Tonight's the night. Tonight, I'm going to write a note on Facebook telling everyone that in addition to being all the things they know me for, I'm gay. I know I want to talk about the personal growth I've went through because of it, and the people that helped me, but I'm not sure what else to say. First, I really want to say something like, "if you're going through a similar struggle or know someone who is, the best thing I can say is life becomes so much better, it'd be ridiculous if it wasn't so amazing." The thing is, I'm pretty sure one of my friends is closeted (though I don't want to push the issue on Facebook) and I definitely want to take this opportunity to maybe ease them a little bit towards opening the closet door- this person is one of those people that defied all my expectations in the most wonderful way when I came out; they then told me some things that were eerily similar to what I felt during my time in my mothbally closet (since now that I think about it, I've been kind of questioning since 7th grade and I'm going to be a junior in college and just came out to person #1 3 months ago).

Anyway, wish me luck!

 

I did it, I did it; I hit 'publish!'

Following is what I wrote (be warned, it's kinda long-- 'that's what he said' *rimshot*):

Ok so some of you I've known for a couple of months, some for a couple of years, some all my life. In that time, you've gotten to know me to various degrees. What I'm pretty sure the vast majority of y'all don't know is that I'm gay. I'm gay; I'm a simmering Kinsey 6 and proud of it. The thing is, 3 months ago, I wouldn't even think to write this on such a public (relatively) forum; I was out to myself, but wasn't ready to be out to everyone else yet. Well, now I am, obviously; I even wear a pride bracelet with sterling silver and Swarovski rainbow crystals!

Part of all this was reconciling the fact that I don't really fit the gay stereotype; I hate Sex and the City (and shopping), I'm ambivalent at best towards Glee, plus other things. Regardless, I am who I am. Something I learned from all of this is that any event, major or minor, has the capacity to completely change your life. Something else I learned is that true friends are friends who stick by you no matter what, who value your friendship as much as you do.

I just have one last thing I have to say: if you or anyone you know is having difficulty regarding questioning their sexuality, or is no longer questioning but don't have anyone to tell what they've discovered about themselves, first, :hug. Then, take to heart a previous status update of mine: "those who mind don't matter and those who mind don't matter." the people who were really a part of your life before (close friends, family, etc.) will still want to be, and will still love you, maybe even more so. Sexuality is only a small part of the wonderfully person that is you-an important part, sure but just a part. You're always going to be the same, regardless of whether you're straight, gay, bisexual, transgender, asexual, queer, pansexual, etc. To be perfectly clear, the only person that you should care about when dealing with such a revelation isn't a parent, a friend, a mentor, or in some cases a spouse; it's YOU. The singularly best thing you can do for you is to be true to yourself. Once you look yourself in the mirror and say, for the first time, "I am --" everything, and I mean everything, will seriously get so much better, and I know this from the best kind of personal experience.

Quoting a recently released song by an artist I'm sure you all know (and love, but maybe not):

"there's nothing wrong with lovin' who you are...God makes no mistakes...[you were] born this way."

 

Thanks! My closet door's been open for a while now, but this poured kerosene on it and lit a match. (!)

 

I suppose I should give an update. Everyone who's commented about my note has said the most amazing things. I figured things would go that way, but having it actually happen was still a wonderful feeling. I only haven't heard from 1 person about it, but he's been really busy at work for the past week or so, plus I came out to him a while before anyway.

 

Congrats! Unfortunately, time for another update. I was parentally forced to remove the note - believe me, I HATED doing it - from my Facebook. I would have left it up but I'm home for the summer and I can't shell out $40/month or w/e we pay for internet since I just got a new laptop and have to pay that off in 1 yr; yes, if I didn't remove it, the internet would've been d/c'd and since I need it for school and such... argh! :bang:

Anyway, Elen, to answer your question, I would only recommend the Facebook approach if none of your family are Facebook friends with you.

I'm sure I'll get a (*hug*) from someone, so thanks in advance. Only 7 weeks until school- never thought I'd say that...