Hey there. I'm a seventeen-year-old dude named Kaiden who's bi. I've grown up as a hockey and lacrosse kid, playing a lot of sports. Anyone else who's played on teams like these knows what I mean when I say that they aren't the type of people that are the most welcoming of those who are "different," in one way or another. I dealt with bullying until a few years ago. I feared that if I were to deviate from the widely accepted hypermasculinized standards inside the sport, that bullying would grow worse. I separated myself from anything that could make this disparity grow and essentially sacrificed being myself to fit in. I adapted to avoid dealing with additional problems. Now I'm at the point where I don't want to hide who I am anymore. I've told my best friend and my parents. However, I avoided anything to do with my bisexuality, and by extension LGBT culture almost entirely until now. I hate that I know nothing and no one else who shares some of the same struggles/interests/etc as me. I want to change that, I just don't even know where to begin. Hello to everyone in this community. I'm sorry for the long introduction.
Welcome! Hello! It seems that you have a lot to share and that you will be here for a long time. My name is Lake
Hey @BDK19. First, welcome to EC. Second, I am sorry you had to sacrifice being yourself just to fit in. Third, I am glad you decided to embrace who you are and want to find out more about the community. You can begin right here on EC. There are a number of forums where you can interact with people with similar struggles and interests. It is perfect.
BDK14..... Hello and a great big LGBTQ+ welcome to Empty Closets! There is a sub-forum here on EC that is titled "Sexual Orientation". If you post there I think you'll find people who will understand how you feel and will be able to offer support and understanding! You said you know nothing about the LGBTQ+ Family and want to change that...well, you have changed it! You started the change when you posted here on Empty Closets! There are so many people here who have experienced the same kind of life that you have and, like you, have wanted to change it. I'm sure that they will be willing to offer you support and help! Remember...you are a part of our LGBTQ+ Family and we do care! We are so glad that you have found us here on Empty Closets! .....David
Hey Lake, it's nice to meet you. From one new member to another, I do hope that's true for both of us
Thank you, Red. I'm glad I decided to embrace and learn more as well. Feels like weights being lifted off my shoulders! I'll be sure to check out some of those forums you mentioned.
..Well, I guess you're right, I have started that change! I'll check out that forum Appreciate the support David.
BDK14....Sorry...I just noticed I missed your name! So glad that you found us and posted a message to us Kaiden!! .....David
Hey! the name's august but you can call me aug for short if you want, I feel you and I too want to join the soccer team in my high school but it's been difficult/confusing because of transphobia around me, props for coming out despite that!
Hi August. Think I'll use the full name if that's alright, it's honestly a beautiful name. I'm also born in August so that makes me like it even more lol That's terrible that you're dealing with transphobia while just trying to play soccer, and it saddens me that I'm not all that surprised. Hope that you can fight past the issues, and get to play on the team. I'm sure that there would be some that would like to be your friend, given the opportunity to actually play/practice with you. People judge far too much from a distance, and without much thought. Getting out there would give a second chance for those out there who aren't so close-minded to rethink a possibly shallow opinion. I'm here (albeit through forums only at the moment) for support if you need it.
...Didn't quite catch the props until afterwards, but I've only told one close friend and my parents. To everyone else I know, through sports or otherwise, I'm an average straight dude. Haven't come out to those who I fear would judge the most. I'm not brave enough to take that mask off. At least not yet.
