Well, honestly, everything.... but I was just thinking about this because my partner came to meet me at work today for lunch, as she occasionally does, and today a coworker came out as I was saying hello, giving her a small kiss and chatting happily. So let's do this list together, name the things that feel good about whatever part of your journey you're on.... - being able to kiss my girlfriend, hold hands, etc in public without any worry about who sees us - being able to talk about my life without a filter, without changing the details or hiding information - feeling freer, lighter, more confident, more happy - being more open with people and therefore opening myself up to more or better friendships and conversations - being able to make small talk at work or in other settings without feeling totally uncomfortable - being able to reference things that make it clear that I'm gay and feeling that warm peaceful feeling - being more myself, happier, more content .....what are some things you'd like to share? Doesn't have to be strictly about being out....
I am nowhere near as far along as you, Baristajedi, but in my very best moments I feel lighter, more confident (when more in acceptance mode) and can relate more closely and warmly to other people who are different from average in some respect... I am thinking of coming out to a friend this evening as bi/ lesbian (still unsure of the label, but hoping time will give me that). If I do that, she will be the first person I will not be able to avoid seeing should it go wrong, so it feels high risk.
And simply being out to myself - even though still feeling reluctance and resistance some place within me - gives me a sense of wholeness.
Oh, good luck tonight!! Big step let us know how it goes. (*hug*) I know what you mean about relating to others who are different from average, I feel that too.
regarding my sexuality.... lighter, absolutely!!!! no filter, so wonderful to speak about a hot guy with a coworker or friend and not bite my tongue. happier, ahhhhh yes, content so much so..... mmmmm not working from behind the mask being able to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and accommodations, freaking awesome.
Hanging out on a European gay beach while on a weekend break, having some cocktails and chatting with other guys hanging around like me - and feeling completely at ease and comfortable doing so (although would be better if my husband was not working and able to join me).
I love no longer being worried about the "secret." It's no longer secret any more! I love being honest and open. I love that I've found a bisexual community here and on FB. It helps me be proud to be queer and out. Since I'm married happily to an opposite-sex spouse, the online community helps me feel like I'm not trapped in heteroworld, if that makes sense. I like volunteering at our local LGBT Center, too, and the friends I've made from that. I don't have any out bi friends locally (ironically), but lots of gay, lesbian, trans, and other queer, which I really value. I've experienced life before coming out. I've come out to everyone (which was hard). Being on the other side is just awesome, in my case. I know it isn't always that way for everybody, but for me, it has been SO worth it.
so very much so, when im out about being trans it will be even more so, i think/hope. it feels so great when i can be me in the right company like my support groups.
I am not fully out, but with the friends I am out to, its so freeing.. i can be honest around them, I don't have to hide anything.I feel like the people I am out to are the people I am closest to.
I can just be me. I do not have to worry what people will think of me. I can be honest to those who know me and i do not have to hide anything or shift the conversation tactfully. Makes me feel happier, I am smiling more, am less anxious and worried as I do not have the dreaded secret to keep!
I have told all of my family and close friends. I haven't mentioned it to anyone at work because there is no reason to. I think if I ever had a status change like dating a girl then I could see it as appropriate. We don't talk about sexuallity or anything related to that at work. I feel pretty happy about people knowing I feel more genuine I guess. Except me for me or f off is my current attitude.
I'd say definitely freeing. I no longer have to pretend that I find male celebrities attractive and I can also now (this being my first year) go to pride without worrying about being outed!
I think coming out builds confidence and stops the indecision. Before I came out to friends, I was holding off thinking "well there's no reason now to come out, i'll wait until i have a boyfriend'.. I realized that was really lingering doubt (what if i am not really gay). Once I came out to some close friends I felt a wonderful sense of satisfaction and the buried doubts faded away.
