Josh
Posted by ulla on Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Under: Gay
Name or Nick Name:
Josh
Country or City you are from:
Singapore
Your Age
20
Your Gender
Male
What did you come out as?
Gay
What other words would you use to describe yourself?
Funny, witty, optimistic (most of the time!) Hahaha
How old were you when you first realised your identity?
15
How old were you when you first told someone?
19
Did you plan it? If so, how?
Nope. It was rather impulsive of me (oh yes, that would be another adjective to describe myself). We just finished our last examination paper and were chilling out at a fast food restaurant. And so over fries and onion rings, I blurted out "I'm gay". And I didn't know what her response would be like, so I prepared myself with a "HAHA, PULLING YOUR LEG!" comeback line just in case.
What made you choose that person to tell?
She was (and still is) my best friend
Can you remember exactly what you said?
Nope, not exactly.
How did you feel?
Nervous! But quite excited too.
What was the person’s reaction?
She looked at me, speechless, and then went "oh, ok." Turns out she had other gay friends too. Hahaha, all that worry for nothing.
What did they say?
Nothing much. But very accepting. As if it was an everyday thing where friends come out to her.
What was your relationship with the person like afterwards?
We're still best friends:)
What’s it like now?
Ditto above
If you’ve been outed unwillingly, who did it?
Nope
What happened?
Nope
What were peoples’ reactions?
Nope
If you’ve experienced homophobia etc, please give an example.
Just normal school teases, nothing serious or fatal.
Since coming out how out are you at school?
Not applicable
Since coming out, how “out” are you at work?
Not at all
Since coming out, how “out” are you with family?
Not at all
Since coming out, how “out” are you with your friends?
Close friends
What does being out mean to you?
It means being able to tell my friends that I totally A-D-O-R-E Gerard Butler, just like how they find that cover girl on FHM hot.
It means being able to talk sensibly, have a good, normal discussion with friends without having to worry that you might let something slip out carelessly.
It also means being able to go out with a boyfriend and hold his hand in public without the stares/pointing/arrest by the police.
What differences, if any, did your cultural background make to your experience of coming out?
I grew up in a strict Christian household. Most of my friends come from the church. So my coming out was quite secretive and a much needed breath of fresh air.
BUT I do believe that it is possible to be gay and Christian.
What does the concept of the closet mean to you?
It means hiding and not living up to my potential. A closet would stifle my freedom and friendships.
What advice would you give someone wanting to come out?
Take your time. Plan it carefully.
If you could do it all again, would you do it any differently? If so, how?
Nope. I'm grateful for that experience.
Anything you want to add?
Nothing much
You may add your website if you like
http://stormsinmydreams.wordpress.com
Josh
Country or City you are from:
Singapore
Your Age
20
Your Gender
Male
What did you come out as?
Gay
What other words would you use to describe yourself?
Funny, witty, optimistic (most of the time!) Hahaha
How old were you when you first realised your identity?
15
How old were you when you first told someone?
19
Did you plan it? If so, how?
Nope. It was rather impulsive of me (oh yes, that would be another adjective to describe myself). We just finished our last examination paper and were chilling out at a fast food restaurant. And so over fries and onion rings, I blurted out "I'm gay". And I didn't know what her response would be like, so I prepared myself with a "HAHA, PULLING YOUR LEG!" comeback line just in case.
What made you choose that person to tell?
She was (and still is) my best friend
Can you remember exactly what you said?
Nope, not exactly.
How did you feel?
Nervous! But quite excited too.
What was the person’s reaction?
She looked at me, speechless, and then went "oh, ok." Turns out she had other gay friends too. Hahaha, all that worry for nothing.
What did they say?
Nothing much. But very accepting. As if it was an everyday thing where friends come out to her.
What was your relationship with the person like afterwards?
We're still best friends:)
What’s it like now?
Ditto above
If you’ve been outed unwillingly, who did it?
Nope
What happened?
Nope
What were peoples’ reactions?
Nope
If you’ve experienced homophobia etc, please give an example.
Just normal school teases, nothing serious or fatal.
Since coming out how out are you at school?
Not applicable
Since coming out, how “out” are you at work?
Not at all
Since coming out, how “out” are you with family?
Not at all
Since coming out, how “out” are you with your friends?
Close friends
What does being out mean to you?
It means being able to tell my friends that I totally A-D-O-R-E Gerard Butler, just like how they find that cover girl on FHM hot.
It means being able to talk sensibly, have a good, normal discussion with friends without having to worry that you might let something slip out carelessly.
It also means being able to go out with a boyfriend and hold his hand in public without the stares/pointing/arrest by the police.
What differences, if any, did your cultural background make to your experience of coming out?
I grew up in a strict Christian household. Most of my friends come from the church. So my coming out was quite secretive and a much needed breath of fresh air.
BUT I do believe that it is possible to be gay and Christian.
What does the concept of the closet mean to you?
It means hiding and not living up to my potential. A closet would stifle my freedom and friendships.
What advice would you give someone wanting to come out?
Take your time. Plan it carefully.
If you could do it all again, would you do it any differently? If so, how?
Nope. I'm grateful for that experience.
Anything you want to add?
Nothing much
You may add your website if you like
http://stormsinmydreams.wordpress.com
In : Gay
Tags: gay male 15 singapore josh
