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coming out to friends and family - 6/20/2007 10:12:42 PM

Happy4Life

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hi

what is the best format on comming out to freinds and family?

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RE: coming out to friends and family - 6/20/2007 10:14:24 PM

LadyPact

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The truth. Always the truth. It will set you free, but first, it might piss some off.

(in reply to Happy4Life)

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RE: coming out to friends and family - 6/20/2007 10:17:35 PM

DragonNphoenix

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Happy4Life

hi

what is the best format on comming out to freinds and family?

Well, I am a witch. You could always 'come out' of the 'broom closet' like I did. I was doing an interview for the news on Hate crimes. I admitted being a witch and such. Low and behold... my MOTHER and her friends were watching the news that night!! I get this call from her... "What is this about you being a witch?". That was about 3 years ago. We have had lots of discussing about this durning the last 3 years though... lol

1st girl Phoenix

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RE: coming out to friends and family - 6/21/2007 6:14:42 AM

Mikal

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Happy4Life

hi

what is the best format on comming out to freinds and family?

Depends on what you're coming out about... is it being kinky, gay, alternative religion, other?

If it's sexuality, there are many organizations available to help (PFLAG comes to mind). Also, there are several books (Straight Parents, Gay Children: Inspiring Families to Live Honestly and With Greater Understanding, and Beyond Acceptance: Parents of Lesbians & Gays Talk About Their Experiences are well recommended).

You could also speak with a family counselor who specializes in whatever issue you are struggling to come out with... try Googling issue-friendly therapist/counselor.

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RE: coming out to friends and family - 6/21/2007 9:18:21 AM

Happy4Life

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Joined: 6/20/2007
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quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyPact

The truth. Always the truth. It will set you free, but first, it might piss some off.

Yes the truth will set you free, sometimes the truth can hurt others as well. I guess I was looking for input on a way to do it or suggestions on how others have done it.

Happy 4 Life Family

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RE: coming out to friends and family - 6/21/2007 9:29:46 AM

SirDominic

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Using fast reply,

Ayup, the truth will set you free. One shouldn't forget, though, that the freedom may come at a price, sometimes a very high price. Are you willing to pay the price, not knowing in advance what that may be?

My philosophy on this issue is rather "Do No Harm". Will coming out deeply offend and hurt people you really love? Will coming out lose you your job? Will coming out create increased stress in your own life?

I'm not suggesting coming out is wrong, actually it is preferable. Not all situations are the same though, and for some, a lot less harm is done by not doing so. Only you know the parameters of your situation. Weigh the plusses and minusses carefully. And good luck!

Namaste, Sir Dominic

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RE: coming out to friends and family - 6/21/2007 11:51:27 AM

LadyPact

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Very true. I would not suggest coming out to anyone who couldn't handle it. I've found that in most cases, there are varying degrees in which your friends and family will accept whatever topic about you is being brought out.

At this point, I'm out with My lifestyle with most people in My personal life, and some in My professional life. It doesn't mean that I post bullitens about all of My activities. I don't advertise it at the grocery store or anything. I don't recount all of My adventures to everyone.

A good way to gauge how accepting people in your life are of your choices, is by their initial reaction. Pick something very soft, and start there. See what kind of reactions you get. Those who are open to the subject might have questions, so be prepared to answer them.

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