Being Open with Yourself
From birth, most of us are raised to think of ourselves as fitting into a certain mold. Our culture and our families teach us that we are “supposed” to be attracted to people of the opposite sex, and that boys and girls are supposed to look, act and feel certain ways.
Few of us were told we might fall in love with someone of the same sex, or that we might have a gender identity that differs from the body into which we were born. That’s why so many of us are scared, worried or confused when facing these truths.
Opening up to the possibility that you may be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or even just questioning means opening up to the idea that you’re on a path that’s your own. It’s also why coming out and living ever more openly is a profoundly liberating experience.
In the end, and at the beginning, the first person you have be open with is yourself.
Throughout the coming out process, it’s normal to feel:
• Scared
• Confused
• Vulnerable
• Empowered
• Exhilarated
• Relieved
• Proud
• Uncertain
• Brave
Affirmed