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So...finally coming out to myself as gay

Discussion in 'LGBT Later in Life' started by hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022.

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  1. hopefulB

    hopefulB
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    After years (decades) of questioning, hiding from it, sometimes wanting to embrace it, and always thinking about it, I've finally decided to say those two words: I'm gay. I don't know what comes next but I guess I'm just taking a step on that journey of self acceptance.
     
    #1 hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022
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  2. LostInDaydreams

    LostInDaydreams
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    Congratulations! :slight_smile: A big step!
     
    #2 LostInDaydreams, Feb 25, 2022
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  3. hopefulB

    hopefulB
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    thank you so much. A bit scary but exhilarating.
     
    #3 hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022
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  4. Chip

    Chip
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    It *is* a big step. Awesome that you feel comfortable enough to put that out there! I agree it is scary at first, and I think you will also find it gets a lot easier as time goes on.
     
    #4 Chip, Feb 25, 2022
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  5. hopefulB

    hopefulB
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    Thank you so much. And I expect it will get easier. It certainly feels exciting to say out loud to myself.
     
    #5 hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022
  6. FooFight54

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    I like your Avatar - I definitely felt buzzed when I came out. This is part of your journey!
     
    #6 FooFight54, Feb 25, 2022
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  7. hopefulB

    hopefulB
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    Thank you. Means a lot.
     
    #7 hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022
  8. buzzer

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    Congrats on your "big-step"! Also, it was good that you were able to do it on your own terms. Best wishes to you!
     
    #8 buzzer, Feb 25, 2022
  9. hopefulB

    hopefulB
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    yes, a big step out to myself. And now to figure out how to be out to the people in my life I choose to share it with.
     
    #9 hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022
  10. silverhalo

    silverhalo
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    Congratulations.
     
    #10 silverhalo, Feb 25, 2022
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  11. hopefulB

    hopefulB
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    Thank you @silverhalo :slight_smile:
     
    #11 hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022
  12. out2019

    out2019
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    Congratulations!
    I remember my hands were shaking when I changed my status here.. and when I looked into the mirror and set "I am gay" the rush of positive emotions was overwhelming.
    You'll probably feel a strong desire to tell someone - not everyone - but someone you can trust. You might also find it easier to first call a LGBTQ center and say it to someone. I realized I felt perfectly normal saying it when I knew someone wasn't going to be judgemental.
     
    #12 out2019, Feb 25, 2022
  13. BiGemini87

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    Congratulations! This is such an important step in moving forward. The path may not be clear right now, but you're already closer to living authentically, and hopefully in coming to embrace and accept yourself. :slight_smile:
     
    #13 BiGemini87, Feb 25, 2022
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  14. Contented

    Contented
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    You have taken a very important and brave step in your sexual evolution. The road ahead will present some challenges however in the end it will afford you happiness and satisfaction you never knew. Congrats!
     
    #14 Contented, Feb 25, 2022
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  15. Jakebusman

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    Congrats on accepting yourself it was hard for me
     
    #15 Jakebusman, Feb 25, 2022
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  16. zgaynz

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    Congratulations. Reading posts like these always brings back memories. I too fought and denied it to myself for a long time but the moment I uttered those words a massive weight was lifted and a sense of relief washed over me because I always knew that this day was coming. I feared being gay but accepting it was in all reality the most positive move I could've ever made. Gay seemed so natural and right and while I wished I had accepted this many years ago, I came to the conclusion that it was better late than never. Just enjoy being yourself.
     
    #16 zgaynz, Feb 25, 2022
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  17. hopefulB

    hopefulB
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    Thank you @Contented !!
     
    #17 hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022
  18. hopefulB

    hopefulB
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    Thank you. Very hard for me too. Ongoing.
     
    #18 hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022
  19. hopefulB

    hopefulB
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    This is so amazing to hear and that our paths have so much similarities. Gives me the courage to know that similar great things are ahead.
     
    #19 hopefulB, Feb 25, 2022
  20. ThxSens8

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    Awesome. You should be so PROUD of yourself.

    For me as a person with strong attractions to all sexes, but in a commited marriage with no intention of cheating, I kept telling myself it was not necessary to come out. What would it change? However, when I finally came out to my wife, it was such a relief. She's even accepting that she's bi, too. It's just great. Really, really great.

    Saying it out loud is so affirming, isn't it?
     
    #20 ThxSens8, Feb 25, 2022
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