Advice... =\

[Heluvsme]

Simon, you don't know who you might help by coming out yourself. It could be someone here---adult or teen--- it could be someone in your family, or a friend, none of us know how our actions can affect others, and your actions may have already helped someone. You just never know. The recent news stories of teen suicides are so devastating, I just wish everyone was able to have a loving support system.
I'm glad you told your mom, it must feel like a huge weight has been lifted.

~Dawn

 

[wdwscout]

I am just reading this thread this evening for the first time.

I want to add my Congratulations to both Simon and Gibson!

It was a big step bringing this up here on the DIS and I am so proud to be part of community that showed you unconditional support!

There will be tough times- but remember to use your resources (the DIS, HRC, etc.), and that "it will get better."

I wish you both the very best in your futures. It's wonderful that you will be able to grow up to be your REAL selves and not have to hide. We need more of that in this world.

 

[Bornteach]

Simon and Gibson- Congratulations to the both of you. It is nice to be who you are all the time. I can imagine you are both carrying a lighter load!

 

[Royster83]

Hey Simon & Gibson

I don’t usually chirp in when I feel like everything I was gonna say has already been said, but I thought that I’d share my story.

I’ve always know I was gay. I’ve also never felt the need to hide it. I came out at a very early age; I must have been about eleven or twelve. The other kids just seem to notice there was something different I suppose, when they asked me if I was gay I tried to hide it at first but I just couldn’t. Unfortunately at the time I had no idea how much it would make my life a living nightmare. The news spread around my high school like wildfire.

I was in that same school for five years; even as I progressed through the school it made no difference. The younger kids still thought they had a right to taunt me. Everywhere I went people whispered behind my back, called me names and even threw things at me. In the U.K. at the time we had a law called Section 28 (type it into Wikipedia if you’re not sure.) I’m not sure (and hope) you have nothing anything like it in America. It basically said that it was wrong for schools to promote homosexuality. It could never be talked about in schools AT ALL. So much so that even if a teacher witnessed me being called names they would completely ignore it, and walk on by. On one occasion my parents were brought in to speak to the principal. Members of the faculty had decided that I was causing a disturbance because I made the other pupils uncomfortable. I was alone every single day for years, I managed to find a few friends in the end but it was hard. I hated school because of it.

Leaving my high school behind was the happiest day of my life.

I used to think that things could never change. I thought I would be miserable forever that was how it was supposed to be. At the time there were never any happy gay characters on T.V. any that were portrayed had to be miserable, their lives fell apart whenever things became good. Everywhere I turned there were negative images.

My grandparents are Catholic, the idea that my grandmother would ever find out horrified me. I’d heard her say some pretty nasty thing over the years. However when she did find out about me her views changed completely. I have actually recently gotten up the courage to ask her about it. She basically thought it was never going to be the case that there would be ‘one of them’ in her own family. We had always gotten along very well; I didn’t want that to end. So anyone can change their views when it is somebody they love.

There are many stereotypes about gay men and their lifestyles. I was terrified about what the future would hold…

Let me tell you how it really can be. I work in a job I love (even though I work stupid hour’s check the time in the U.K. that this was posted and I haven’t been to bed from yesterday!!!) in a company that accepts and promotes diversity. I live with my partner of ten years, and although everyday isn’t a bed of roses (I’ve been told I’m high maintenance) we are really happy. I’ve got a really good and close circle of friends. Even though things still are sent to try me every day, I’m happy that that day has come.

I would never change what has happened in the past (some days I think I’d like to) but I know I would not be where I am today.

No matter what happens (Kevin’s right, it’s a cliché) but it does get better!!! Those that love us will always love us, even when it’s hard.

Your friends are always here on the DIS to listen. Keep us updated, and congratulations on being able to find the strength and courage to take the biggest step you may ever make.

Thanks for indulging me and reading my story.

Roy

 

[ratherbeatdisney]

Yay ! congratulations Simon ! Things will only get better from there !

 

[dmccarty]

There is a common thread in this thread, , about Gay people worrying about coming out, and when they did family and friends were ho hum about The Announcement.

Obviously this is not always the case but I think it might be more common than not. I have family and friends that are gay. In some cases their being gay was not "announced" but it is known. There was no need to tell anyone at all since we knew. Telling people would get a so what response.

Regardless of how people responsed you do have to be who you are.

Later,
Dan