It has been an interesting discussion. Some are worried about rejection from their families, wives, kids, parents. Some think if they come out they will open their kids to teasing and ridicule. Some think that it's OK to cheat on their wives, as long as they only cheat with guys. (No, I am not going to get into that again here.)
But there are different degrees of being out. I am gay, but I am "straight acting". I really hate that term but it does apply to me. Not because I am "acting" straight, but because I am a very masculine guy. I am not a big sports fan, but most everything else I am like a straight guy. I don't like show tunes. I have trouble matching colors. I have lousy handwriting and almost no fashion sense. I hate shopping and have no girl-friends. And please don't ask me to dance.
But I have fallen in love with a man. I love the male body. I am gay, but unless I told you, you wouldn't know it.
This is my real personality. I am not resisting my urge to dance, I just don't like it. So when I come out what will it be like?
I am out to everyone in my life who really matters, except for my kids. Except for the fact that K and I do not sleep together and have a boyfriend I am not that different today than I was 2 or 3 or 4 years ago.
When I am out to everyone, what will that mean? Probably not much to anyone outside my family. Most people might not even notice. I do not see changes to my personality. I am not the type to wear rainbow tee shirts, but I can see attending a Pride or maybe participating in other gay events. I doubt that I will wear my sexuality on my sleeve, but I will not hide it either. I will talk about my partner if I am telling a co-worker about my weekend, but I don't expect to be waving banners.
Despite all the trouble, pain and anguish, I had to deal with, and to some extent still deal with, I am so glad that I am now free to be who I am. I am now free to love who I love.
Am I selfish? I used to think so, but not any more. K was unhappy for years because I was unable to love her the way she wanted me to. Now she may have found that in AJ. She will have the chance at happiness with a straight man that she always wanted, but could not have with me. Is that selfish? I don't think so.
In fact, an argument could be made that coming out to her, taking the risk, and paying the price for pretending to be someone else, was the most unselfish thing I have ever done. Especially when you consider that I am still living home with my kids. I go out of my way to make sure she has what she needs. I put her needs first as much as I can. I did not, and will not, run off to my homo nirvana, leaving my family behind. I know a lot of gay guys do that, but that's not me.
I guess the point is that you can be out of the closet, you can live honestly, you can live with integrity, and not be a flaming fag.
4 comments:
Because K is happier and doing well, you might be absolutely right to say that coming out was the most unselfish thing you've ever done. You certainly have kept ALL of your parental responsibilities.
As much as I am inclined to agree that your self-congratulations are well earned, I think the final say has to go to K. I think and hope she'd agree, but I think it's her place, more than anyone else's, to give you that compliment.
"When I am out to everyone, what will that mean? Probably not much to anyone outside my family. Most people might not even notice."
Remember this. It is totally and completely true.
TwoLives, You see, K was miserable before I came out.
If you asked K she would tell you that she would like it better and would be happier if I was straight. Actually straight, not just pretending to be straight. Since that is not an option, at least now we no longer have to pretend to be a happy family. Now that we are each honest with each other, and with ourselves, we have a chance to be happy for real.
We are not there yet. We are making progress and I am convinced we are moving in the right direction.
Just ready your blog for first time.. I was married with 2 kids whom I "left" for a guy and later met a new guy who was also married with 3 kids and he decided to leave his wife and come move in with me.. so now we have 2 ex-wives and 5 kids. Whatever your or your similar readers fears and woes, being honest to ourselves and those around us is the most healthy option for everyone. They can make new decisions for themselves, the wives can find new husbands who will give thewm what they want and need and the kids do adjust. My daughter now lives with us and I believe they have all become well-adjusted kids and perhaps not as naive as some kids in the world may be and are better for it. We are also both "str8-acting", perhaps because we grew up in a "str8" environment, and being openly gay is exactly for us as you describe it for yourself.. not much change, but there are little differences we appreciate.. also great to be able to share a comment with each other when we see a hot guy out or at the beach...
Dave
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