My cousin posted a meme on FB, that has rainbow colors on it and says "Bed careful who you hate, it could be someone you love." I feel like I should be responding. I almost feel like this is a test to see if I really mean it out being out and not hiding. It's actually causing me a little anxiety. I'm not sure how to respond. Clearly, sending her a private message would not cause a problem. I could just respond to the post or I could make some sort of official FB statement. I know that most people here to do it in your own way in your own time. But, I'm confusing myself and don't know what I want to do. I'm just looking for some perspectives to help me decide.
I remember when I had come out to my family. Some while later, since all my friends were on Facebook I changed my “Interested in” to “men and women” (at the time I identified as bisexual) and then a while later I changed my gender to “non binary”. I began to put the odd LGBT post on. I was surprised because I only got positive replies! One friend messaged me privately to say she wasn’t surprised lol. It took me a long while to pluck up courage to do it as well. I remember wishing I’d done it sooner. It felt great to do it. I hope that whenever you do post a statement or whatever on Facebook, that it’s just as positive for you
Does your cousin know? On the rest, this probably isn't super helpful but being out doesn't need to mean broadcasting it or talking about it at every opportunity so really however you respond, including not at all, is valid. So I guess from there it's deciding how you want to respond (if at all). I gather from your other posts that a blanket statement on FB isn't something you want to do, but a response to your cousin's post might be better. If it were me, I would respond, but another factor would be how others are responding to your cousin's post. Is it all positive? If so, that's a good sign that it's safe, not to mention that the post is a pretty supportive tone in general. Coloring my take is that I've had universally good responses... Ranging from folks being over the moon with love and support a down to a simple "That's great."
@BiShark No family members except immediate family know. I would imagine that the reaction would largely be positive and honestly there probably wouldn't much surprise. According to a lesbian friend, I give off a vibe.My wife is not in the same place with her sexuality as I am with mine, so a blanket announcement is off the table. That also gives me time to think so, that leaves with a response to the post or a private message.
You can respond to it without doing a full on declaration (unless you really want to). How about something like: "Yes, it really could be someone you love" or "So very true" ?? Strong enough, but without doing a ten out of ten closet exit.
It could be as simple as heart reacting to the post, or as @PatrickUK said, a simple statement of "True" or "100% this". I know these seems very typical responses, but if you're not ready to tell your cousin yet, it could help you build up to doing so, if/when you're ready. I know it's hard, but try not to stress about it too much. You're not wronging anyone by being reticent.
I ended up responding to the post with, "Or just someone you know, someone you like, or even family." If that gets me any questions, so be it.
