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Fully out, engaged, and new to this site

Discussion in 'The Welcome Lounge' started by birdnerdjoel, Feb 19, 2014.

  1. birdnerdjoel

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    Hello Everyone,

    Wow, what an excellent resource site for people who need support. I am happy to have come across this. I have been seeking a site for quite some time to talk with people about sexuality and coming out, and hoping to share my experience and advice along the way.

    I am a 26 year old gay male who has been out for 4 years. When I came out, I did it within a two week period to everyone. I couldn't have asked for better friends and even more surprising, a better family. Staying in the closet was getting too stressful for me, and it caused a lot of mental health issues (anxiety and depression). It wasn't until I hit rock bottom mentally (major depressive episode) and was recovering, that I took the plunge and told my friends and family that I am gay.

    My friends were all supportive as they figured I am gay based on my failure to pursue women who were interested in me. Indeed, I did try to be straight regardless of my sexual attraction to men. I wanted to live a "normal" life, but it's pretty obvious that normal is a terrible term and can make you feel less of a human being. No one is normal.

    Needless to say, coming out boosted my confidence, and love for myself. I am now engaged to an amazing guy, and I would never look back.

    I've always considered being a mentor with everything I do. So please feel free to ask me questions.

    Much love to you all!

    -Birdnerd Joel (Bird is not a euphemism for anything sexual, I am actually an ornithologist)
     
  2. pane123

    pane123 Guest

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    Welcome to the forum!
     
  3. Simple Thoughts

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    Welcome to the forum :slight_smile:
     
  4. Nikky DoUrden

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    Wow nice to hear u have such supporting friends and family, AND you're engaged now which is great :slight_smile:
    Welcome to EC :slight_smile:

    EDIT : why the DNA avatar ? :grin:
     
  5. SemiCharmedLife

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    Greetings from another 26 year old PhD student!
     
  6. ThePhoenix

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    Congrats, I wish you the best, and welcome to EC!
     
  7. birdnerdjoel

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    Thanks everyone!

    What are you studying :slight_smile:
     
  8. SemiCharmedLife

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    Human development. And you're studying ornithology? Cool!
     
  9. apostrophied

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    Welcome! Sounds like you're doing great in your life---good for you!!! :slight_smile:
     
  10. birdnerdjoel

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    Thanks darlin'. I feel blessed. However, my life wasn't always easy. It is the hardships we get through that builds character and makes you who you are :slight_smile:

    ---------- Post added 19th Feb 2014 at 08:25 PM ----------

    That's awesome, HD is a great subject. I do indeed to an extent. I am more of a behavioral ecologist/geneticist than a strict ornithologist, but use birds as model organisms. :slight_smile:
     
  11. resu

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    Welcome! Ornithology is awesome. There are a couple of bird labs at my university, and two of my friends work in them.
     
  12. Chip

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    Welcome to EC! Nice to have you here :slight_smile:
     
  13. lovely lesbian

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  14. Larry

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    Welcome to EC glad all worked out well for you xx