Coming out experience (thus far)

[ZzKingz]

I'm bicurious and possibly gay, but I didn't really want to come out mostly because I wanted heterosexuality to be an "option," so to say. I didn't want to end up in a situation where, say I realize I'm attracted to girls and any girl I ask out feels like a compromise or a last resort because they thought I was gay. Many of my friends had a "strong suspicion" that I was gay, and they were giving me shit for staying in the closet. Many friends of mine still have no idea.

I came out to a female friend of mine via Facebook messaging (one who was giving me shit for denying it), and it went really well. A ton of weight was lifted from my shoulders and she really respects the courage it took to admit it.

So then I told my best friend (male) via text. He's really supportive and really tolerant, so I didn't expect rejection, and he was very supportive of course. It was really awkward with him though. Part of it was how high the stakes were, sine losing him would be losing my #1 support and best friend. He was obviously uncomfortable talking about it.

I have told several other friends since then, and the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Not just through support, but I actually feel like my friends respect me more now that's I've owned up to who I am, even if it's awkward for a little while. By far, it was easier for me to come out to my lady friends. For some reason it feels safer to me, maybe because they can relate on some level.

Be careful. Some people, like conservative Christians, don't understand GLBT very well and may disapprove. It doesn't mean you can't be friends with them or they don't deserve your attention, like some people tell you, but if you come out to somebody, respect their beliefs and you'll probably be okay.

[Syvelocin]

I'm glad it's been going well so far!

Yeah, it's understandable that girls would be better with it. Not only because it's more awkward when it's the same sex anyway, but of course that in the case of being gay and male it's less accepted in general. I can always sympathize with what it's like to come out but the fact of the matter is it's harder to be a gay man than a lesbian. But your experiences so far sound like they're going just as well as mine did.

I had a bit of an issue with coming out early as well, because I came out bisexual and later realized that was not the case. Not as big of a deal but I had a lot of worry that people would more likely think it was a phase if I came out a second time. So I only officially came out a second time to my parents and just acted like it was common knowledge I was a lesbian instead of bisexual and it all worked out. :P

Having intolerant friends is something I can only advise people about, branching off of your last paragraph there. My friends were all the types to be very tolerant, I never made friends with anyone who was conservative. Even my parents are incredibly left-wing. So I didn't have that issue. But know if they can't accept you for who you are, they're not worth your time. You can have conflicting views but if they do not like who you are, it's better to just forget them.

[ZzKingz]

I have to throw something in really quick: I think it's normal and acceptable for a religious friend to worry about you and disapprove of your "lifestyle," as long as they don't turn on you. They're just misguided on the subject. Just like its okay to be friends with an evangelical as an atheist.