Why I Don't Have To Come Out To You
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why I Don't Have To Come Out To You

If it's because you feel insecure, that sounds like more of a you problem.

23
Why I Don't Have To Come Out To You
FreeImages.com/quil

Coming out can be such an experience for any young person these days. It is truly one of those moments where a person can bare all that is on the inside for those on the outside to see and even possibly judge, although that's one of the more extreme cases. Even I recently did it myself last week, and as plainly as I thought the experience would go, it has left me with mixed feelings.

See, as anyone who gets to know me for even 20 minutes can possibly start to guess that having a romantic relationship with a girl is not my cup of tea, it's not unusual for people to not ask what my sexual orientation is. They figure it out and our lives go on, because while being gay is a crucial part of who I am, it is at the same time not very crucial at all.

It means that as a guy I happen to like guys. You think as simple a phrase that is, even in 2016 people would go nuts over that fact. (If you haven't already forgotten, I probably wouldn't even get served pizza in some places just because I like men.)

Because of all this, you think my issues would typically be concerned with people who would prefer I shut up about my sexuality. Instead, my issue is with people who think it's in my best interest to be able to admit that I'm gay. Ha.

In what was a much tamer version of the rude outing some athletes experienced at the Olympics, I came out not because I was ready to let people into more of my life, but because I felt I had to for the sake of my own peace and for another person to feel triumphant. Instead of feeling relieved and closer to the person I came out to, I felt manipulated. I found out the other person did not just already know that I was gay, but wanted to hear me admit it with my own mouth because knowing it was not enough. That person thought that for some reason admitting my gayness myself would release some tension in the relationship we had, but instead it just made me upset and a bit angry.

My coming out is not supposed to be for other people. It is supposed to be a moment where I choose to bring a relationship to a new level, where I feel I am ready to admit it to a person I trust wholeheartedly, or would at least like to start trusting wholeheartedly. Instead, my moment was torn away from its original purpose. Where I was supposed to strengthen a relationship, it was only kept in a hostile state. While I should feel "at peace" right now as I mentioned earlier, I only continue to feel distant. I feel like I gathered the courage to jump over a canyon, but after jumping I realized I haven't even jumped off the cliff - a classic "wtf" moment, if you will.

I don't come out to make other people comfortable. I come out to show that I am comfortable with others as needed. If you need me to come out to you, you better give me a formal reason for my statement. Because if you just want it to put your mind at ease from being able to say "he admitted it to me personally", then you have another thing coming.

And it's not me coming out of the closet for you, I can tell you that.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

44082
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

117743
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments