Hi everyone, I’m new to this so I’m really nervous. I’ve known for years that I wasn’t straight but never really accepted myself. I’m from Italy and my family is really conservative, not very religious but my father is against anything gay related, so coming out isn’t really an option. I haven’t told anyone, since I don’t have many friends in general and the ones that I have are straight, so I never had a queer safe space around me. I don’t know where I’m going with this but I just wanted to tell someone
Welcome to EC, I'm glad you found us. I grew up in a very conservative and homophobic environment to, so I know how it goes. Self acceptance takes time and you have already taken the first step by putting yourself out there. Just work on fully accepting and discovering yourself. I wouldn't even worry about coming out just now. Have you tried to look for a LGBT group? There are also social apps for the LGBT community to just make friends. They aren't mainstream. So it may take some searching to find online. EC doesn't allow us to share specifically the names of other websites for safety reasons and I'm not sure which ones would be popular in Italy.
Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it. I’ve tried looking for apps or websites but they were for dating only, but maybe I’ll give it another try and look for a site that’s more focused on finding friends or people to talk to. And unfortunately finding a LGBT group where I live is nearly impossible, thanks to our not so progressive government. I’m sure there are some but they’re really hard to find
Of course real life friends and support is best but in the meantime if you can’t find any in your area having support online can be very useful.
EC is a great place to start. Please share your thoughts and questions. You will find help and solidarity here.
This is the perfect place to,open up about the things considered taboo to others! Having a safe community is essential to our health.
Randomgirl22…..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. As we have members from 13 years old and older, please keep that in mind as you make your posts. *****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. Only A Full Member can send Private Messages (PM) and then only 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 send me a Private Message as you can always send a staff member a Private Message. …..David
Hi, hii! Same, a lot of things are same for me. I have friends who are straight and I just joke with them that I am bisexual , but when I say I am serious , they take it as a joke because they are straight. And i understand, some orthodox ppl might think that straight is the only thing but i dont mind it ! We can like and love anyone regardless of gender.., and I am getting more confident in my self too as I grow older. I am 22 now