Is anyone taking advantage of National Coming Out Day? I have come out to some family and I am thinking about coming out more broadly tomorrow.. Wondering what others are doing?
I've been out for a long time, but I always try to reassure anyone who feels anxiety around National Coming Out Day that it's okay if they can't go through with it on that particular day. Coming out can be a difficult process; only come out when you feel ready.
I'm already out as 'transfem something' (currently identifying as a trans girl) so I don't think it's really coming out, but I might like, say I'm also gay. I'm not sure if it's that important, though.
It sounds like you are ready for others to know as well, and be yourself around them, which is really great! I have never paid too much attention to National Coming Out Day. I felt it can increase the pressure on needing to come out when it is all about how I feel personally and whether I'm ready. Being out, it hasn't been on my radar screen for a number of years now. If you feel ready and it gives you motivation to come out to others, go for it!
Each year it passed I had wished I could come out but I wasn't ready. Last national coming out day I came out as pansexual.
I did it. This pretty much covers the people who I haven't told or is spreadable to those I haven't told.
The only responses were positive. But now I am going to feel anxious as I face people. I don't anticipate issues, but I am just so used to being closeted and it being kept quiet and people just seeing my "straight looking" life.
Great to read that the responses were positive. It probably will take a bit of time for you to feel comfortable with being out, being yourself around others and letting go of the last bit of lingering fears and the associated 'what ifs.'
I know one co-worker is the sort of Christian who thinks it's a sin, but at least she's also the sort who doesn't judge beyond that or get pushy or preachy about it. I'm pretty sure the co-worker I work the closest with is completely non-judgemental. There is another who was awkward about another lesbian that worked there (talking about her "lady friend" instead of "wife") and another co-worker that I suspect (but don't know) would be pretty laid back. I don't know how fast word would or would not spread at work. So, it's hard to know if just a couple people know, or if more do.
I would suggest not to worry too much about it. While you can't control what others think or will say/comment, you can control as to how you let it affect you. You will have co-workers who will be totally fine and supportive, while others will be neutral and uncomfortable. If you encounter somebody who is uncomfortable or has certain thoughts/opinions, remind yourself that it is really on them, not on you. Think about the people, co-workers in your life that you know are supportive and genuinely interested in you as a person and that could help with not worrying or thinking too much about how others might react or think once they learn or hear from somebody.