Hi All, I’ve slowly been coming out to folks over the past couple years. I’m now out to more than “some people” (work, family, friends, church) but can’t bring myself to mark my status as “out to everyone” yet. Bi Visibility Day is bringing me closer to that. I bought a Bi flag, and I’m getting ready to put it on display in front of my house tomorrow. I’ll be glad if it opens conversation, but also fine if no one mentions it. My guess is everyone will be clueless and think it is some other country’s flag. I don’t think anyone will steal it.
I don't know how many people would recognize the Bi flag, but if anyone asks then you can help spread visibility
I did it! I had the flag up for Bi Visibility Day (for about 25 hours, from Sunrise on Sept. 23 until a little later the next morning). No comments received (yet?), and I’m not sure anyone in my neighborhood knows what the flag means, but I’m gonna switch my Out Status to “out to everyone” as of today. I’m not out to everyone, as I’m sure there are folks out there who haven’t heard, but in principle I’m completely out. Work knows, family knows (well maybe not all the cousins distant from me), church knows, doctor knows, I put it in the college alumni newsletter, etc. Now random contractors in the neighborhood yesterday, trash/recycling pick up crew, and neighbors had the chance to see the flag. I already wear a rainbow wristband (from AARP: “Pride is ageless”), have had the equal sign on the back of my car for more than a year, and now another rainbow pride magnet on there that my wife gave me this summer. Definitely out and trying to be visible. I will plan to put the rainbow flag up during all of Pride Month next Summer.
Good on you! Not many people will recognize it, but I hope for those that did, you don't have to worry about them making a big deal about it. Either way, it's one more step away from the closet--and one more step closer to being your whole self.
It's great that you decided to put up the flag! At the end of the day it probably doesn't matter how many people saw it or recognise it; the importance is that you did it to be out not worrying what others think or what they might say. This shows how comfortable you have become with yourself, in addition to coming out and the little things you have done to be out.
Thanks Mirko, I’ve come a long way in understanding myself since I lurked here as a straight guy who was an Ally, then embracing my newfound bisexuality but being extra cautious because the most important person in my life reacted so badly in the beginning. I love how it felt for me to change to “out to everyone” on my profile. I’m realizing as much as it meant to me, the flag flying was an even bigger step for my wife, who at first made a closet of our home and didn’t want anyone else to know this “devastating” news when I came out. She wasn’t around the day the bi flag flew, due to work, but she was fine with it (even encouraging) and that is HUGE for me. Thanks so much for the EC support!!!!
