Name or Nick Name : Joie
Country or City you are from: : East Tennessee, USA
Your Age : 28
Your Gender : male
What did you come out as? : Gay
What other words would you use to describe yourself? : I’m just trying to live a good life free of hate and devote myself to spreading equality.
How old were you when you first realised your identity? : 5
How old were you when you first told someone? : 25
Did you plan it? If so, how? : I did plan it. I told one of my friends that I knew was gay over an instant message. It was the only way I could get it out.
What made you choose that person to tell? : He was gay and I knew he wouldn’t judge me.
Can you remember exactly what you said? : “Will, you and I are alike more than you realize. I’ve been attracted to guys basically my whole life. I’m gay, Will.”
How did you feel? : Scared and relieved.
What was the person’s reaction? : Shock, at first, then it made sense.
What did they say? : He came to my door and hugged me and told me that he was proud of me.
What was your relationship with the person like afterwards? : Very strong…still one of my best friends.
What’s it like now? : All is well.
If you’ve experienced homophobia etc, please give an example. : I was written up at a former job for being a homosexual.
Since coming out how out are you at school? : all_out
Since coming out, how “out” are you at work? : not_out
Since coming out, how “out” are you with family? : partly_out
Since coming out, how “out” are you with your friends? : only_friends
What does being out mean to you? : Freedom from self-opression.
What differences, if any, did your cultural background make to your experience of coming out? : I live in the buckle of the bible belt. Homosexuality isn’t tolerated at all around here.
What does the concept of the closet mean to you? : Living safe.
What advice would you give someone wanting to come out? : Choose your battles.
If you could do it all again, would you do it any differently? If so, how? : Not at all.