So last night was the big event I've been fretting over. I had an absolute blast. I was welcomed, not judged at all, and even quite a bit doted on (as the newbie)! It was entirely couples--I was the only single person--which was honestly fine, because I've made a personal commitment to remain unattached as I sort through my baggage and clean up my life. There were young couples with kids, older couples, and everyone made a real effort to chat with me, give me advice, and shower me with squeezes. I ended up staying after everyone was gone, and chatting with the hosts, a lesbian couple who have been happily coupled for 28 years. I'm feeling much better about this, you guys! I hope this is encouragement for anyone who feels that, by going out there and telling your story, you are going to be shamed or rejected by the community. Definitely has not been the case thus far for me.
Thank you for sharing that! I do have a worry that once I am out there I won't be accepted because of my late arrival.
That's so great, Mellie! So happy to hear that you were so warmly accepted! I have found that lgbt people I've met don't generally judge me for coming out later in life or for having been married to a man...it's been kind of a non-issue, which is great. And so great too about the lesbian couple who have been together for 28 years...I hope to be that some day!
Thanks for letting us know Mellie. I'm really pleased for you that you've found a little community already. I've only met up with two people in real life so far from another forum I'm on - one was a potential date and went a bit (lot) wrong but we've managed to communicate since. The other was just a friendly coffee and she was a really lovely warm person.
Yes. I live in a small town -- not many (out) gays around here, honestly. It was a PFLAG meeting, but they did a potluck . . . which are a source of anxiety for me as it is, because I'm a (very non-obnoxious, non-judgmental) vegan. But they honestly gave me shit about it like I had known them forever, so that probably served as more of an icebreaker than anything else. (!)
