Semaj Wrote:i have been sexually active with guys for around 12 months now. Nothing serious just fun and self exploration. I am still in the closet as i only hook up with guys while away on work trips and because I have been scared how my friends and family might react, as they basically disowned my step brother a year ago for coming out (he is the only one who knows I am gay)
Is it time too tell my close friend and family I am gay or continue to hide it from them.
My brother came out well ahead of me and prepared the trail by blazing it and burning the bridges. I pretty much knew how well my coming out would go over - like a lead balloon. Well actually I have learned a lead balloon is possible and can fly... my coming out - not so much.
I think you have a good idea what to expect here, you already know their opinions on the gay thing.
The thing I wonder about is why it is you keep the same friends who all but disowned your Step Brother? How can you justify keeping intolerant individuals in your life and continue to associate with them?
Now I get the family - we don't choose our family. But friends - we choose those, and we can un-choose them as well.
If you are financially dependent upon the parents, then I Strongly urge you to not cut off your own nose at this time. I would instead encourage you to set about creating your own security system so you do not have to depend on them before you drop this bomb.
As for 'friends' who you know are intolerant, tell them you have decided that the way they treated your brother was unacceptable and you do not want that kind of person in your life.
This is a truth, and not a lie - however it doesn't tip your hand (yet) that you are gay, but it does cover the fact you don't want gay-intolerant individuals cluttering up your friends list.
I would set a goal of coming out - eventually, and start the process of weeding out individuals from your life who have displayed their true heart to your brother. You have a somewhat unique opportunity here to learn from the experiences of your brother, he blazed this trail for you.