It's "National Coming-Out Day" !!! How 'Out' are you?

[Rhythm]

There's been no part of my life that has been closeted since i was a late teenager... in the South... in the mid '80s.

That's just the way i've always lived my life... no closets... no bullshit.
And i was lucky enough to have parents and other relatives -- as well as close friends -- who stood by me unconditionally.

Not everyone ~can~ be so open...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, DUniverse?
No judgements here, because each person walks their own road...

How 'out' are you?

[xfundy]

1. I thought I couldn't be out, but wish I had been.

Grew up among Southern Batshits, fat kid, internalized all that hate. Finally got the hell out of here, came back when parents were dying, wish to hell I hadn't, as the old demons came back to haunt me. Now, can't afford to get the hell out of here again.

Adopt me?

[Rhythm]

5. Would if i could... *hugs*

[Fearless]

2. Out

My philosophy is that I just go about my life and if someone asks I tell them the truth. That includes mentioning the man I'm dating and giving gender specific examples when talking about dating / sex. I treat it like an everyday normal thing, because that's what being gay is to me. It's just a normal part of life. At the same time if someone has a problem with me, they don't have the time of day so far as I'm concerned.

[LeftofObama]

3. I'm out to those who need to know.

My philosophy has always been that if I'm not going to sleep with someone then it's none of their business.

[Zorra]

4. No one would even consider the possibility that I could be straight. nt

[Vanje]

13. Like! nt

[Old Union Guy]

6. All the way out now, but deeply closeted when young.

Deeply closeted is Hell that just keeps getting worse.

Get out as soon as possible.

[Fearless]

14. +1

[mitchtv]

7. all the way out

Since the 70's,married for 35 yrs

[MillennialDem]

8. Both trans and lesbian, but only out as lesbian and not as trans - but only when asked

ie if people ask if I have a boyfriend I tell them no I have a girlfriend/wife.

Don't tell people I'm trans.

[Rhythm]

9. I fall into a similar pattern...

I've trans-identified since i was a little kid.
Still feel like this 'female form' is a gorilla suit with the zipper stuck, but i've made my peace with that.

My better-half and i have been together for over 14 yrs...
When we first met, i was in the midst of a ham-handed, year-long unguided attempt at FtM transition.
After we got together, she told me she didn't care what the outside husk appeared to be, because what she loved most was the 'me' between my ears.
I subsequently ended that transition experiment, and have not repeated it...
it's no longer necessary for my mental health.

I just am who i am...

[MillennialDem]

10. I'm mtf and transitioned myself. I'm glad you have found peace without it though

[Rhythm]

11. Wishing you luck as you transform yourself and your life :-)

I have a friend here in WV who just got done with her first round of surgery (top)...

She's always been gorgeous, but now there's more happiness in her smile...
I'm excited for her completely.

[Vanje]

12. I'm out all over

[pinto]

15. In retrospect, I think Elton John was speaking to this -

[NCLefty]

16. Out to about here:

----->

[Rhythm]

17. Hi NCLefty!!!

What part of NC are you from?

I grew up in and around the Charlotte area...
Moved there when i was in elementary school (when dad got out of the Air Force), then moved out of state at age 32 (15 yrs ago).

[dmchugh70508]

18. It's been awhile

I've been out for 30 years and the last 20 have been great. I got married and we adopted a baby 11 years ago. Life is good. Things get better.

[gopiscrap]

19. Welcome to DU

[RKP5637]

20. Welcome!

[Rhythm]

22. Welcome to the neighborhood!!!

[La Lioness Priyanka]

21. very very out

[Rhythm]

23. And very, very awesome!

How've y'all been, Pri?