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My Sixth Gaybirthday

Discussion in 'LGBT Later in Life' started by quebec, Dec 25, 2020.

  1. quebec

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    Hello All.....Six years ago on Christmas evening 2014, I came out here on Empty Closets. I was in crisis and made my first ever post begging for help. I got that help within just a few minutes and my life has been different ever since. At that time I thought that I was trapped, unable to come out, and unable to go any further with the charade that I had been living for decades. Over the next year, my only LGBTQ+ Contact was EC and I gradually learned to accept and then to even start to like who I was. In December of 2015, I meet with my therapist for the first time and came out to him through waterfalls of tears and sobs. Between Empty Closets and that same therapist, I have come so far...I can even say that I love who I am now...not that I've got everything under control as I surely do not! :old_smile: Back then I thought that I would never, ever come out to anyone, now I am out to most of my family and over twenty close friends! It's amazing and at times I can hardly believe how I have changed. To all of the EC'ers out there who helped me through those early years and who continue to share with me...Thank You so much, you have helped me become the guy who has been able to embrace his true self. To all of you that I have met in the last few years...Thank You for sharing with me and allowing me to share with you! To the Empty Closets staff...a huge Thank You as I have been learning just how much time and effort you all contribute to making EC work. May 2021 allow us to continue helping those in our LGBTQ+ Family as we face the challenges that every year brings our way.
    .....David :gay_pride_flag: ☃️
     
    #1 quebec, Dec 25, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 25, 2020
    mnguy, SevnButton, out2019 and 4 others like this.
  2. Chip

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    Thank *you* for sharing your story... and for volunteering for the staff team to help others just finding this amazing community. :slight_smile:
     
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  3. HM03

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    Happy gayaversery and happy holidays david :grin:
     
  4. Blueplanets

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    Happy gay-anniversary!
     
  5. greatwhale

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    Happy Gaybirthday, David and may the New Year bring you to an even better place!
     
  6. quebec

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    @greatwhale.....Thank you so much! You were one of the first who held out a hand to me on that night six years ago. Without your help and the others that followed I wouldn't be here now. Anything that I do that helps others is a part of your legacy. We all affect more than we realize...our actions are often more far-reaching than we know. My gratitude goes out to everyone who has made Empty Closets possible, to all of those who keep it running, and to every one of our LGBTQ+ Family that takes their time to help and be helped here on EC.
    .....David :gay_pride_flag:
     
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  7. Contented

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    It is wonderful to read a success story like this on EC. We need more like this one to prove positive there is life after gay! Congrats on your gaybirth day.
     
    #7 Contented, Dec 26, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2020
  8. out2019

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    and thank YOU - you have been one of the steadiest, calm, balanced voices here.
     
  9. Tymee

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    Happy Gay B-Day. Thank you for your story it sheds some light on my path and gives me hope.
     
  10. Adz6

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    Congratulations David
    Have a wonderful Christmas and new year
    Adz
     
  11. RD Spencer

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    Hey, Congratulations. And thanks for your contributing your time and wisdom to EC.
     
  12. SevnButton

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    Six years! That's a milestone to celebrate! Like many others here on EC, I benefited from your quick response when I reached out in search of someone, anyone who would understand what I was feeling. Thank you for putting your experience to good use.
     
  13. quebec

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    Sevn.....I try to pay back the kindness and support that I received when I first posted a message here on Empty Closets. I'm so glad that anything I've said has helped you or anyone else!
    .....David :gay_pride_flag: