Have you come out and if not, are you thinking about it?
I'm Agender and Bisexual, so I've had 2 "coming out" experiences.
I didn't know what my sexuality was until I was 21. Before then I was not interested in relationships at all. Probably because I had never been close enough to anyone before then to develop feelings.
I didn't tell anyone for months, but one night my mum was saying some awful homophobic things and I got really angry and snapped at her, asking if she thought those things about me because I was bi.
She was shocked, and dismissive at first, but 4 years later (and many conflicts later) and she's actually really supportive now. I think she's learned that the things she believed before aren't true, and is more open-minded now. My siblings have been supportive too.
As for being Agender, I came out 2-3 years ago to my family, but unlike my sexuality, I haven't had a great response. My family just thinks it's a phase and bully me about it. They refuse to use my preferred name or pronouns.
As for being out with other people, I prefer to avoid conflict and drama, so I'm only open to close friends, immediate family and people online. In public I fake being cis and straight to avoid unwanted attention.
What was the experience like, or what do you think the experience will be like?
Answered above. But it was pretty stressful and intense at first. But in my case things have gotten better with time. Things are still tough sometimes, but it's getting easier as opinions change for the better.
How do you feel within yourself now and if you're not out, can you imagine how you would feel if you came out?
Good. I don't feel as ashamed or inferior like I once did. I still have bad days, especially in public or when people are being discriminating, but overall I do feel better about myself.
If you're out, what advice would you give to other GLBTIQ people?
There's no right or wrong way to be out. Do what makes you feel happy and safe. It's no one's business what gender or sexuality you are anyway, and you are not obligated to tell anyone.
So do what feels right for you. It's not a race, and there's no requirements to how much you come out to others or what you do or don't say. Just be yourself, and look out for you.
What would you like to say to straight people about coming out?
Ignorance is usually due to a lack of understanding. So learning about lgbt+ people and topics will help you have an open mind and not be so afraid of change. So keep an open ear and an open heart.
