Saturday, October 11, 2008

Happy National Coming Out Day!

I just realized today that it's been three years since the night that I told my ex-ex-gay story for the first time. I had just started this blog a week or so before and I was so nervous about speaking in front of this group of 20 women. I had only met Peterson six months before and we'd only spoken three times at that point. At the end of the post where I told about the evening those three years ago, I wrote, "I'm amazed at who I'm becoming." Telling my story, my truth, was a big step for me, and one that ended up being life-changing.

Now I look back on the three years and so much has happened. Beyond Ex-Gay, the Glamour article (it will be three years ago tomorrow that I connected with Stephen Fried for the Glamour article), the Ex-Gay Survivor Conference, and all of it.

For all my friends and readers who are "out" - thank you. Keep telling your stories. For those who are yet to be, I can say that for me it's made all the difference.

And I'm still amazed at who I'm becoming.

4 comments:

  1. I have mixed feeling on "National Coming Out Day"

    Only 21 states have anti-discrimination laws that cover sexual orientation and only 13 states have anti-discrimination laws protecting gender identity and expression. In all the other states they still can be fired for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and in those states, I have a hard time telling them it is OK to come out of the "closet".

    I also "am amazed at who I'm becoming." If you told me just eight years ago where I would be now, I would have denied that I was transgender.

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  2. Christine,

    I've missed following your blog for the past couple of months! I sorta went offline.

    My partner tells me that we're not human beings, but humans becoming.

    Echo and bravo on your amazement!

    Hope to continue hearing more about your process!

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  3. Suzanne, well you haven't missed much - I've been on a bit of a blogging haitus. Glad to see you!

    Diana, I definitely understand you're mixed feelings. I've had them too, especially when I could not be out for whatever reason. I often tell people who are considering coming out to think of all the possible ramifications. I don't believe in coming out no matter the personal cost unless someone is really ready to deal with all the repercussions. That especially is true for youth.

    Oh, and I think you're becoming an amazing person who inspires me!

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  4. Oh, horrors! I just used "you're" when I meant to type "your." I hope I can live this down.

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