Comingout

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Almost 4 years #LGBTQIA #Comingout #Selfacceptance #Love #Grief #Poetry

About this time 4 years ago, I was in my 3rd residential treatment center in 4 years. I was tired of fighting, fighting both my mind and my body. I didn't want to hurt anymore, and I wasn't going to come home still sick. It was in this setting that I got this weird feeling whenever a particular staff member was around, and I didn't know what was going on, but I wanted to be close to her. I knew that wasn't okay, and I never did anything improper, but it started me on a path of rediscovering who I truly was. On this unexpected side journey, I had to work backwards to figure things out. I was straight(so I thought), coming up on my 30th anniversary, but digging into it, I realized how miserable I had been for most of it. I slept in a separate room, and I considered my husband more of a roommate than a spouse. I have to keep pulling out the weeds and poisonous vines of religious, social, and familial indoctrination, realizing that I got married because it's what good christian girls do. Under the weight of those restrictive binds, I realize that trauma also played a part, teaching me from a very young age that sex=love, and I wanted to be loved so badly. Finally, after intensely working to unbury the door that had kept me trapped for 34 years, I was able to walk free from that prison, reclaiming my authentic self as a lesbian. I faced some harsh push back, especially from my son, who wouldn't let me see my granddaughters for a while. I stayed true to myself though, because I was DONE being who others defined me as, I had to live as myself to love myself. During the process of working through my transformation, I frequently expressed my metamorphosis through poems. I'd like to share one of that's okay, and hope that it touches someone who is walking where I've already been.
I've been a caterpillar, gorged on trauma, religion, and society's lies,
Now I'm wrapped in a chrysalis of self discovery, becoming new.
I'm working on cutting free the thick bonds of my youth,
It's time for me to find what kind of butterfly I'll be.
This work is hard, feelings and beliefs long held,
But I want to become the kind of beauty that I choose.
How I have been fed and shaped no longer guiding my growth,
Turning and writhing, new thoughts allowed in this tightening space.
Soon I'll be bursting free from who I used to believe I was,
And I'll be soaring free from this prison, beautiful colors on fluttering wings.
Living my life through eyes that can clearly see for the first time,
I'll be thriving in my best life, a beautiful creature to behold and cherish.

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Navigating Coming Out as Neurodivergent

How do you respond if someone you have known for a long time suddenly made you aware of their neurodivergence? My friend had an awesome reaction to my own disclosure, so I thought I’d share what a supportive response looks like. The photo posted here is our conversation (posted with permission, of course!) 🤗

Always better to ask & learn something new ❤️

#Awareness #Acceptance #Support #Comingout #nd #Autistic #ADHD #Neurodiversity #neurodivergent #womensupportingwomen #InternationalWomensDay #Love #navigatingneurodivergence

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Coming out #Lesbian #LGBT #Comingout

Recently we acknowledged #nationalcomingoutday. I think about how much my life has changed over the past years since I came out to myself, and then again coming out to friends and family.

I think about how I told my grandma before she died and she said she knew all along and was proud of me for being honest with myself. Then asked me how many women I’d slept with 😂 I wish she was here.

I think about how the amount of love and support shown by my best friends makes me overflow with joy.

I think about the two moms that made me family when I needed it the most. You gave me somewhere to bring my significant other “home”.

I think about how my relationship with God has grown and deepened into a level I never imagined when I was so heavily focused on living by evangelical interpretations on the Bible. God loves me unconditionally, even when I question how when I’ve made so many mistakes.

I think about those in other countries that are persecuted for homosexuality and how fortunate I am to live in a country where I don’t have to worry about going to prison or being killed for loving someone the same gender as me.

I think about how much it hurts to dwell on the negative side of coming out. My parents not supporting me (although I will say my mom is coming around slowly ♥️), hearing the hateful words and actions against the LGBTQ community, the criticism my children will endure having two moms, and being treated different in daily life all because of the way I love. I hate the hate the gay community has thrown back at those who don’t like the way we love. Fighting hate with hate does not make you any better.

I think that coming out made me a better person. It made me more confident and has taught me how to love myself, which has been an ongoing battle. I know things may have seemed easier, but being true to yourself and happy is worth the bumps.

So today whether you are out and proud, questioning and not quite ready to make that step, or confidently straight, be authentically you because we only get one life to live.

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Being Brave #Comingout #Faith #Selfcare

Hi everyone, I'm Jax. I've been a member for a while but didn't want to post until I'd worked some things through.

TW: non affirming people and churches of Christian faith
I've known I was Bisexual since my early 20s, but I come from a family with a strong conservative christian faith. I knew were I to tell them, I would not be supported. I had a lot of bigger health issues till I was at least 34. By them I was living full time in a nursing home, a full time wheelie and ostomate for starters.

I was always terrified of telling anyone about my sexuality and how it's affecting my mental health. It's been so hard to keep it all inside. Fast forward to the last year and all the time for self reflection. I knew I couldn't hide completely, because I'm not one to keep things inside. I started by talking to staff where I live. Then a couple of trusted friends who are supportive of out community.

Earlier this week I've found a lovely, welcoming FB group for LGBTQIA+ people of the same faith. That was my first 'win' this week. I finally talked to my closest contact at church who is non affirming but is supportive of me. I am relieved to have made steps forward even if I have to hide this around others.

Apologies for long post.

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I need help. Ever since coming out to my spouse and parents as trans I have struggled with severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

It hits me really hard in the mornings and now I’m overwhelmed, exhausted, and I am resenting my loved ones. I don’t know what to do. Is there any advice for me? #trans #Trauma #Depression #Anxiety #Comingout #Dysphoria

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Something wholesome I wanted to share :)

So Christmas Eve.

Hi. I'm Cass. I'm gay, asian and a woman(ish). I have a few cousins living in the U.K. and we facetimed a while ago. After we got to talking for a few hours now, I (impulsively) decided to come out to them ❗️❗️ They got to asking the whole "you got a boyfriend thing" and I kinda muttered "I don't like boys..." so then my cousin was like,"Oh, so what do you like then?" And we all laughed about it but told them my situation about how it's not safe for me at home and how only my sister knows that I'm gay.

They were super chill with it and I expected they would be since that same cousin literally marched in London Pride (ah, what a dream). Later on, I let my sister take the floor and told them she had a question. Her question was:

"Hets ba ka yo? (translated: Are you guys hets?)"

At first they were confused but it was cleared up (haha!) but get this: BOTH cousins say: "No!" and my other cousin adds on: "We're homos!!" We all about died😂 After finding out we were all gay, they were all so respectful and they totally got it. My older cousin (the one that went to London Pride) asked me what my pronouns were just if they could have changed (she/they now) and even my preferred name! Totally absofrickinlutely warmed my heart.

Usually, Christmas can be triggering because I am forced to spend time with people who caused my trauma or that it's a reminder of all the years I wish I wasn't alive but this year was good. I can't be more thankful that I have such amazing people in my family considering my associations of most of them being not-so-great have almost always been true. But not this time. And I couldn't be more overjoyed. Man, I love those guys.

I hope I can see them again after all those years ago when we were still little kids playing at my lola's (grandmother) house.

Happy Holidays to each and every guy, gal, nonbinary pal out there whatever you celebrate. You deserve the best! Sending hugs from a lonertown cornland in Illinois🌽💖

#Lesbian #LGBT + #Comingout

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How to do this??? #LGBTQ #Comingout

How do I come out to my parents?
They know some of my friends are lgbtq, and don't have a problem with them being around and support them when they do see them. But as soon as they leave they start bad mouthing them, talking about "how such a sweet boy could throw his life away like that..." Or "doesn't she see what she is doing is wrong?" And that hurts me too... Because upfront they are caring and sweet towards them but behind the scenes they say stuff like that... Not even talking about the rest of my family, who love to play the "they show so many homo couples in TV shows these days, no wonder so many kids 'turn' gay, because it's being forced into our minds..." And then of course everyone joins in on that conversation.

I feel like it is the only thing holding me back from living my perfect life. It feels like a chain holding me down so my wings can't fly...

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#BipolarDisorder

‘I don’t need a life that’s normal—
thats way too far away
But something...next to normal
would be okay.’

I’m opening up, my names Amber & I recently got diagnosed with bipolar. I’m getting the treatment and help I need to live a normal life. I have a wonderful support system (you know who you are, but you have no idea how much you mean to me). I may have bipolar, but it doesn’t have me. It does not define me, it’s not who I am. It’s just a part of me. Get to know the rest before you judge me.
#nexttonormal #MentalIllness #strong #Comingout

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Sunday Morning Thiughts #Comingout #Depression

2019: I came out this year. I am dating a wonderful girl who I love dearly. she’s taught me that love doesn’t have to hurt. For years I’ve gone through a string of unhealthy, abusive, toxic relationships. With her, I am free. Free of pain, sadness, and guilt. She tells me how beautiful I am every morning. She tells me I’m adorable when I do something silly and stupid. She loves the person that I am. This relationship is easy, I don’t have to work for her approval. I don’t have to feel guilty for anything. It’s simple, and blissful.

Despite this wonderful love that I have found. I still struggle. I struggle with the scars of my past. The hurt and pain from being talked down to. The scars on my arm from cuts that were made by me because I wasn’t good enough. The struggle of trying to convince my family that this isn’t “just a phase.” This is me. The swirling anxious thoughts in my head that just won’t go away.

It’s funny how you can be so happy, but so sad at the same time.