I’m 57 and at the point in my life that i don’t want to hide that I’m gay anymore. When I was 13, I experimented with a friend and realized that my feelings for other boys was more than just being a friend. But back then it was just not “normal “ to be gay I guess. So I ended up playing straight but always felt something was missing- I had many relationships with women and even got married but that has changed nothing- I’m only attracted to men. Now I find I’m at a crossroads- I want to get divorced and come out gay
Hi Scott, welcome to EC! Many of us here are in the same situation as you, and often for the same reason, me included. I'm 42 and only accepted myself as gay in the last year, but also grew up with the impression it was wrong and I was expected to get married and have children, which is what I did.
ScottyG…..Hello and a big LGBTQIA+ welcome to Empty Closets! I can remember the first post that I made on EC. I was desperate for help and I got the help that night that I so needed. I hope that we can help you in the same way that I received help. The most important thing to remember about Empty Closets is that we do care about you! We're very glad that you found us here on EC and hope that we can answer questions, give you support and provide a place to vent (as long as it's not violent! ) when that becomes necessary! This is a safe community of loving, caring and very supportive people and we will do our best to help you blend into the community. *****There are 18 different sub-forums here that you can check out, join in the conversations or start your own thread/conversation. When I first joined Empty Closets I was in need of a lot of support and encouragement and I found it here…EC is a safe place. I hope that you'll find good things here too! Folks here will talk to you and share...you don't have to be afraid of asking questions...we're glad to have you! Empty Closets is all about making connections and giving LGBTQ folks a voice when they otherwise don't have one in their day-to-day lives. *****In particular you may want to check out the forum that is titled "Sexual Orientation”, there are people there who may have dealt with some of the same kind of issues that could be challenging you. Some info on how to navigate EC: When you have made at least 10 posts on various threads you will be able to post messages on a member's Profile Page. Just click on a member's Avatar Picture and then click on "Profile Page" in the dialogue box that pops up. You'll then be on their Profile Page and there will be a box that says: "Write Something" When you have been on EC for a few weeks and have made at least 50 posts on various forums, you can apply for Full Membership. A Full Member can send Private Messages (PM) to other Full Members and share personal contact info. Right now you can only send a PM to a Staff Member as that is always possible. Here is a quote from the Full Membership information forum: *****To be eligible you must be a member of Empty Closets for a minimum of two weeks, and have a minimum of 50 posts. These posts must be across numerous forums (Fun & Games does not contribute to post count), and consistently posted across a minimum of two weeks. You wouldn't be eligible, for example, if you registered, had no activity for two weeks, and then returned to post 50 times on your 14th day of membership. *****Well, as I said, we're very glad you found us! If you have any questions at all, you can always send me a Private Message. …..David
Hi Scott Welcome to EC. Its interesting so see that there are members of this group that is in there 40's and higher 50's age group which brings a warm feeling in me. I am 57 years of age this year
That’s great! A lot of us grew up in a time where being anything other than straight would cause trouble for us
Hi, Scott! Welcome! I think you'll find there are plenty of folks here who are in (or have recently been in) the same place you are. Please feel free to dig into the posts and discussions and join in!!
Welcome, Scotty! You will find there is an avalanche of people here who find themselves in the same situation - always aware that they were gay, but quite sure what to do about it. Date opposite sex and get married because that's what you do, that proves you are normal and desirable Then one day realize what am I doing here in this false lifestyle. It happens to both women and men and at just about any age. There are many here, men tend to be a little more open about their feelings here, so you will find a lot of interesting discussion you can relate to and learn from.
