Coming Out, Was Scary. But I'm Glad I Did!
By Mandy
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
Canada
January 25, 2016 3:23pm CST
As most of us know, we all live in a world where sometimes it's hard to be 'who you are'. There is always going to be someone out there who will judge you. Whether you're too skinny, too fat, have acne, hairs messy, dress different, piercings, etc! It goes on! This world we live in, is kind of sad.
So, I have to say, I was scared when I was younger (In my teens, today I'am now 27). To come out of the 'closet'. And tell everyone. "I like girls!" I guess nowadays it's more of a common thing and it's getting more accepted, which I think is great! But back when I was a teen, it wasn't as popular.
I realized that I had to be true to myself and honest with others. Not hide behind a fake persona. So although coming out was scary. It was also a blessing because I finally felt FREE!
I lost a couple friends. And my Family was all accepting besides my Grandma (at first) but she opened up to it eventually. Which meant a lot.
I think people should always be true to themselves. If someone can't accept you for who you are. Is it your loss? No. Because you can't be someone you're not just to please other people, and if they don't accept you...well. "Oh well."
I'm proud to have come out. And I'll never change who I'am. 
26 people like this
22 responses
@moffittjc (121604)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Jan 16
Good for you for being true to yourself, and for being brave enough to come out. You, and millions of others like you, have done a lot to pave the way for future people to be more open about their sexuality! Thankfully, the stigma and the dislike and discrimination that gay people have endured for generations is finally giving way to acceptance, tolerance and understanding.
3 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
I'm really happy to know it's become more accepted around the world. Imagine how many people were quiet about it before 1950's for sure. It was like a massive 'sin' to everyone. This generation, is better though! Whew! (Well, when it comes to LBGT, I mean!) 
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121604)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Jan 16
@x0MandyLynn0x I have an employee at work, a guy who is in his 20's, that refused to come out of the closet, for fear of how people would react. I told him that I already knew he was gay, and it didn't bother me one bit, and since I was his boss, he should have felt safe opening up about it. He never did come out and give any kind of formal announcement to anyone, but one day he showed up at a work event with his boyfriend, and everybody was like "it's about time you brought your guy around for us to meet!" Turns out everyone already suspected he was gay! But I can understand that fear of not knowing how people are going to react! It can be scary!
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
@moffittjc Aww that is so sweet of you to say that to him and have been so kind. I bet you that made his day completely! It's cute how everyone knew. Sometimes it's easy to tell for sure if some people are or not, how they act, look, etc.
@patgalca (18370)
• Orangeville, Ontario
26 Jan 16
Good for you. It's not the same but being who I am, a person with fibromyalgia, with limitations, has cost me a lot of friendships. I am mostly homebound except for involvement with my church and writing group. People forget, however, that I am ill because of the invisibility of the illness. But losing friends and being alone so often is hard. You are lucky to have such a great support system.
2 people like this
@patgalca (18370)
• Orangeville, Ontario
26 Jan 16
@x0MandyLynn0x Getting used to being at home is the problem. You find yourself in this protective bubble and eventually you don't want to leave. I do get anxiety when I have to go anywhere outside my little town and activities (church, writing group, groceries, daughter's soccer games at home). I really don't like driving distances and get anxiety over the drive, the drive home, and what will happen where I'm going, especially if it's a social thing with drinking involved or food I don't know how it will affect my sensitive digestive system. Staying at home all the time is not good, but when I do go somewhere and enjoy myself I am happy I went.
1 person likes this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
27 Jan 16
@patgalca Maybe that's why I happen to get worse now when I go out in public? Even just to walk? Because I'm getting used to being a hermit. I avoid the world. I don't push myself to go out ever...so when I do. It's scary. I get anxiety...
I'm always happy I go places sometimes with a friend or family..as well. But that's rare.
1 person likes this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
I'm the same way. Homebound. I sometimes wonder if I have what you said. I've read on it before. But I do know I suffer with depression/anxiety. (Social)
Even being out in public alone walking..I can sometimes get "panic". It sucks!
That is no reason for people to be punks to you. But I truly am a loner. I'm always home..oddly. I'm used to it.
Hugs your way!
2 people like this
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
26 Jan 16
@x0MandyLynn0x
Nope they sure weren't true friends.
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
Yeah I lost a couple of friends because of coming out but it wasn't a loss to me because it made me realize I didn't mean much and that they weren't true friends.
I agree with you completely!
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
@Marcyaz Yeah, people are better off without people like that anyways I believe.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
26 Jan 16
@x0MandyLynn0x I hope you have someone to love now.
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
You have a REALLY good memory! That is amazing! But yeah, I had got her to join years ago when Bubblews had just started. We aren't together anymore though, she ended up cheating on me, and getting engaged not even a month after our break up, but that's life I guess.
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
@jaboUK No, I was in another break up a couple months ago. More head games. So no one in my life yet. Can't wait to find a more mature person though..hopefully!
2 people like this
@WorDazza (15830)
• Manchester, England
27 Jan 16
@x0MandyLynn0x Let's face it, the ones who can't handle someone else's sexuality are the ones who are really losing out.
1 person likes this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
27 Jan 16
I agree completely. It's sad that so many people out there will lose 'people out of their life' due to things like coming out. It truly does show you that they never really cared about you that much.
Thanks!
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
I also like girls! 
However, I have made many changes in my life so I am changeable and that is who I am. I want to be the best that I can be and that means that to improve I need to change.
However, I have made many changes in my life so I am changeable and that is who I am. I want to be the best that I can be and that means that to improve I need to change.2 people like this
@silvermist (19702)
• India
26 Jan 16
@x0MandyLynn0x Those who stopped being friends when you came out were never true friends.
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
I agree 100%. That's why when I lost them. I didn't really care. 
2 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37355)
• Toccoa, Georgia
26 Jan 16
I have two 2nd cousins who are gay. One is female and the other is male.
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
25 Jan 16
Oh a transgender? Yeah they definitely get judged a lot more. But I find to each their own. Can't please everyone eh!
1 person likes this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
25 Jan 16
@boiboing Oh wow? That must of been shocking for him. That's really unexpected too! I don't think I've ever heard of this happening before, but I'm sure it has to a few people!
1 person likes this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
25 Jan 16
That's awesome to hear. I'm glad she was for his sake too! I know sometimes people who are older in age can be old fashioned, that's why my grandma at first was like, "WHAT?! No you aren't!" But bless your heart, (Miss her!) she met my first ex girlfriend in 2010 and she really liked her and grew to be fine with it all. She was even telling my ex she loved her too.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (340256)
• Rockingham, Australia
27 Jan 16
@x0MandyLynn0x It is a completely different concept for many older people and hard for them to come to terms with.
1 person likes this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
27 Jan 16
@JudyEv Yeah, which is why back then I was most scared to come out to her because she meant so much to me. And was worried about her thoughts. I know older people are more old fashioned. In their time it wasn't 'accepted' like today. But she grew to open up and accept me. I was happy!
1 person likes this
@MrEwriter (20)
• United States
26 Jan 16
I cant relate to you on coming out but I can tell you that I think you are very brave and any hate you get for your decision just know there are those of us out here that appreciate you as a person. We wont let who you chose to love outshine what you contribute as a person. Keep your chin up, we all have our daily battles. :)
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
I appreciate your kind words. You're so kind! THANK YOU!!
Thankfully these days most people are open to it, and accepting.
2 people like this
@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
26 Jan 16
I look forward to a world where people shouldn't have to come out just for loving and caring for another person. That would make more sense.
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
26 Jan 16
Mhm! Everyone should always feel free to be themselves. Never ashamed.
2 people like this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
26 Jan 16
I agree with @TRBRocks420 - I can only imagine it was hard to come out, but great courage now you can express your true self and feelings. Now you can be truly happy without having any weight on your shoulders from hiding! Even better that everyone is now supportive of you!
Now you can be truly happy without having any weight on your shoulders from hiding! Even better that everyone is now supportive of you! 1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
27 Jan 16
@x0MandyLynn0x I am glad you are able to express yourself freely now! 
1 person likes this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
27 Jan 16
@infatuatedbby I'm glad I'm able to as well! ha!
1 person likes this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
27 Jan 16
Thank you so much! Yes it was hard at first, but I figured I had to say something someday. Because I didn't want to hide who I was forever.
1 person likes this
@Orson_Kart (6779)
• United Kingdom
27 Jan 16
When I was your age, I wasn't aware that there were many lesbians. I don't know if it was just hidden away? I guess it was. Lesbians were always portrayed as wearing dungarees and with short skinhead haircuts and very butch. You are nothing like this and appear very girly.
We all deserve happiness, particularly in our love lives, and being able to express and not repress it is important. Most people are accepting of all sexualities nowadays, so you should be free to do what you want without prejudice. However, I must say, on behalf of the male population - we are gutted. 
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
25 Jan 16
Aww you have came out before too? That is really awesome! Thank you! Also congrats to you for doing so! I agree, there is nothing wrong with it. To some there is, but ah well! Is what it is right?
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23405)
• United Kingdom
26 Jan 16
Those couple of 'friends' were not friends they were hangers on! You are a lovely person and your parents will love you unconditionally!
@Missmwngi (12915)
• Nairobi, Kenya
25 Jan 16
Wait a minute do i know you from PP or B?
It is a good way to free yourself afterall no matter what people will always have something in their mouth to say
2 people like this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
25 Jan 16
Yes! I'm sure you do! I'm on both. Well B shut down. But I was very popular on that one actually. Until it decided to go down the crapper I guess you could say.
They sure do! But everything is fine with it now!
They sure do! But everything is fine with it now! 1 person likes this
@x0MandyLynn0x (1056)
• Canada
25 Jan 16
It was, I was always the type of person who was worried about what people would think of me. But I realized if people truly care for me, they will accept me for who I'am. It was hard at first, but the feeling I got afterwards was worth it all!
Thank you!
2 people like this
