PDA: owing it to those in the closet

I think in a weird way I get what you're saying. Even though I don't really like my brother's boyfriend, when I see how happy he makes my brother, it makes me happy and definitely makes me want to come out. Also, my sister's friend is a lesbian and she is at our house constantly. Seeing and hearing her talk so openly and comfortably about girlfriends that she has had and just her life in general makes me so happy, and it's definitely encouraging.

 

I trino i can relate, must admit I know very few lgbt people, I live in a fairly conservative area- people are fine with being gay but no one is really obvious about it. So in a weird way this site, and seeing people being so open here, has acted to make me feel the same way you do seeing couples being open. (P.s. Kodaline is an awesome band, and that album is great)

 

I think that the real reason most people feel discouraged from coming out even in decent circumstances is that same-sex PDA is largely taboo and it makes people on a subconscious level feel isolated from the rest of the world, like they can never be accepted, so letting them see that other people can be themselves in public is important to allowing them to feel comfortable with who they are and feeling included in society.

 

I would, but the "locals" are pretty hostile to anything homosexual. I was jumped by 3 men just for wearing leggings and being a male.

 

Yeah that another thing! I live in such a conservative area, and seeing openly LGBT couples is rare. It's so encouraging to see that same-sex relationships can happen here, and LGBT people can be happy.
Also, I literally love Kodaline so much...Definitely my favorite band!

 

Omg! That's absolutely terrible. I thought my area was bad but that's crazy. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

 

Its really bad. I hate saying this but it is only one racial group thats an issue for me. White "dudes" will give me a weird look or 2, but on top of getting jumped not a week before some "minority"teens tried to pick a fight with me and my friends because i was....wearing jeggings.

 

Well, I'm sorry to hear about that. I hope it gets better!

 

Appreciate the wishes.

 

That is terrifying. I'm lucky to live somewhere you can pretty much be open without fear of violence, even though there is still some discrimination. Obviously, if I were you, I would leave as soon as I possibly could for somewhere that is very LGBT friendly.

 

Im hoping texas. Mini-detriot is getting bad. GE has had a plant here for nearly 100 years and they just closed their doors, so this place is bound to get worse.

 

Yikes....

 

Overt PDAs from either hetero or homosexual relationships drive me insane either way. Yes I understand the make your presence known concept you are getting at but please don't make out in front of dozens of people...

 

Leslie and I have been holding hands since we were 3 years old and it hasn't stopped. We're not 'in your face' but quick kisses and hugs seem normal to me. Being too overt I think can hurt the cause... keep it cute, not "Get a room" kinda scene.

 

I've never been a big fan of PDA, but when I see LGBT couples it does remind me that there are others which is nice.

 

Probably not... Whenever I see obviously gay people, being affectionate or just being themselves, I tend to be inwardly reactionistic and will shy away from them. How I react greatly depends on the sexes involved. Gay men I don't mind being around, but I'm not keen on seeing their PDA. Other sapphs, I don't want to see their PDA either, but unlike the men, I tend to shy away from them. They could be minding their own business and I still would try to put distance between myself and them. They make me really uncomfortable, to be honest.

 

I think it's something you do for yourself and your relationship, rather than for show or the benefit of pride or people in the closet. If you are comfortable with PDA, go for it, but think about your safety first. In the ideal world we wouldn't need to consider our safety, but this is not the ideal world and you don't want to get verbally abused or beaten up.

 

To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of PDA. Holding hands with your partner, regardless of whether you're a hetero- or homosexual couple, is fine. But seriously, putting your hands in your partner's back pocket whilst waiting in line, is just overkill and to me, spells insecurity. Some people really do need to get a room

 

I'm in this realm
I can love someone without attaching myself to them with a rainbow umbilical cord and think public displays of attention more involved than a quick kiss while parting or holding hands is a major cry for attention regardless of gender or sexual orientation but hey, that could just be me.