We live in an unprecedented time of acceptance for LGBTQ people, and some of that is reflected in the promising coming out stories we hear all the time.
But there is, of course, still a dark side of ignorance and fear that rips apart families and does lasting harm to those merely trying to live as their authentic selves.
Below, we hear from guys on Whisper — the good, the bad and the ugly — about the levels of acceptance they’ve found:
bottom250
Sweethearts. I was lucky I never had to come out as I was extremely flamboyant since I was a small child and I was always talking about guys I wanted to marry etc.
Glücklich
Hmm..I’d contribute a thought here but the last time I spoke of my non-coming-out I was lambasted by resident daddy issues expert Assy-cuss Bennett for not turning it into “A Very Special Episode” or announcing it on the Times Square Jumbotron.
@bottom250:
Mornin’ babydoll. You in that arctic weather area? You be careful.
Scribe38
My dad said all the right things, then went home and cursed out my brother and mother for not telling him I was gay. My brother and mom then yelled at me for not warning them I was going to tell my dad. Overall a pretty good experience.
joeyty
@Glücklich: LOL. The A Very Special Episode/Afterschool Special is supposed to show oneself and ones’ parents doing high kicks down the gay parade route while closeted mean cowardly conservatives stand at the sidelines all freaked out and furious.
crowebobby
I wish there were links to all the photos without the nonsense printed on them.
kel777
I must have come out to my mother 1000 times. She pretended to forget every single time.
bottom250
@Glücklich: Ohhh sweetheart I am in the West. I rarely if ever get snow or winter weather.
jag4313
My mom and step-dad have always been supportive, my dad tries his best, and my step-mom likes to remind me that I had a crush on girls… when I was 10. I’m 32 now and have been with my husband for almost 14 years. I’m not going to like girls anytime soon.
zooby
No matter what experiences these guys or anyone went through, they are much better off than if they had stayed closeted like many selfish cowards do. At least they were not afraid to live their truth. They might be feeling not so great after seeing their family’s reaction but it’s totally worth it in the long run.
o.codone
@bottom250: wow. “babydoll” and “sweetheart”. this site is heating up. to just the right temperature.
Glücklich
@o.codone:
Tepid?