Hi All, Just some notes outside the closet... In the closet I did not participate much, you all know the various reasons for this. However, now that I am out and participating the world is different from my idyllic assumptions. It may just be Boston snobbery but a lot of folks are isolated and somewhat unfriendly. This morning I got on commuter rail and asked a fellow if he minded me taking the seat beside him. He quickly said he did not mind, but nobody had ever asked before. On the subway platform I stopped to wait and a guy 8-9' away decided he needed to be 50' away and moved. The 50' guy ended up at my elbow on the subway car, reading his copy of Rainbow Times. I would say 50-50 mix of friendly-unfriendly now that I am actively participating. I had assumed 90-95% friendly. Maybe it is just "commuters" but it seems to apply in my retail job too. What is your experience on coming out?
Happier and more confident! :icon_bigg Shortly after coming out to my siblings I noticed a female colleague look me up and down a few times. After a few days she asked how come I was dressed so well of late? I told her I got a present of some new cloths :eusa_liar . Others commented that I looked better or was dressed very smartly. I personally think after coming out I had a new air of confidence. I also started to win the occasional 5k and 10k road race (in my age category). (!) Being in the closet slows you down!
I agree. It is than ideal. If you aren't part of a clique, it seems hard to gain any new friends. My gay/bi men's group has a big party tomorrow. We shall see what happens.
For me there's been some "ohhhh! That's why you felt that way about that". I feel more comfortable in my own skin, and at least some, if not all, of my baseline anxiety is lessened. I feel clearer headed. I've been eyeing the times of some of the races I did in the last could of years in my age group....
Biguy8 There is not even a gay/bi support group in my area. You have to drive into Boston for that. Like there are only gays in Boston. EC works so well why it is not more common in brick and mortar I have no clue.
