Gay Seniors Come Out

[fredtyg]

An Associated Press article (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SENIORS_COME_OUT?SITE=WCNC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT) on older folks coming out in today's news:

[Realist]

I doubt if I will ever come out, except to a few very close friends and lovers. At 69, I am comfortable with my life as it is. I feel no compunction to tell what and who I am. I know, and that's enough for me.

Straight people usually don't feel a need to discuss their sexual experiences with everyone, nor do I. I can share my inner-most thoughts and desires with those I am close to...and here, on this site, because you/they are the ones who will understand.

I have no problem with anyone who is out, though, because that seems to be important to them.

[fredtyg]

Straight people usually don't feel a need to discuss their sexual experiences with everyone, nor do I.

Good point. Do we all need to print our sexual preferences on our foreheads so everybody knows? It should be personal business.

[tenni]

I found several points in the article of interest to me. The title uses the word "gay" as does fred. However, if you read the article it seems that the man in the article seems to be transgendered while the woman seems to see herself as gay. It is like the writer and public are being confused by such articles and the use of the word "gay".

"I didn't want to have a secret," she said. "It doesn't matter if I lose every friend that I have, this is what I have to do."

This point is also interesting. From my perspective and it seems Realist's this need to come out may apply to some people and not others. From my perspective, this need to come out in a more public manner is more common amongst gay, lesbians and transgendered than bisexuals. I wonder if many bisexuals just feel the need to accept themselves and not make it a public statement? Accepting yourself may be different than how most people use the words "coming out". There may be no hard and simple one size fits all though. Coming out at an advanced age is probably more important to someone who feels the need to come out and has felt repressed. A lot of bisexuals may not feel as repressed as gays or transgendered people?

[Cherokee_Mountaincat]

All of my Lifestyle friends and family know that I am Bi, and that's all that needs to know. I dont feel the need to climb up on some rooftop(not with My knees..lol) and shout it to the world. My sexual preferences are private, and I like it that way. And before that word "Closeted" comes up..if I am, then so be it. I'm content like I am. ;):bigrin:
Cat

[AdamKadmon43]

I had some thoughts on this subject.

But it has been my experience in here that my expressing anything with a bit of controversy attached to it, or anything that someone does not want to hear generally results in my getting roundly taken to task and called all sorts of unpleasant names.

So I suppose that I shall have to be content to simply read what others have to say, and keep my own opinions to myself.

[Long Duck Dong]

the guy I share a house with is 78, gay and out.... but thats in NZ and we have always treated people differently

[MarieDelta]

I doubt if I will ever come out, except to a few very close friends and lovers. At 69, I am comfortable with my life as it is. I feel no compunction to tell what and who I am. I know, and that's enough for me.

Straight people usually don't feel a need to discuss their sexual experiences with everyone, nor do I. I can share my inner-most thoughts and desires with those I am close to...and here, on this site, because you/they are the ones who will understand.

I have no problem with anyone who is out, though, because that seems to be important to them.

Some of the reason behind coming out is political. If we tell people that we are gay , les, bi, trans then they see just how many of us there are.


Gay brothers and sisters,... You must come out. Come out... to your parents... I know that it is hard and will hurt them but think about how they will hurt you in the voting booth! Come out to your relatives... come out to your friends... if indeed they are your friends. Come out to your neighbors... to your fellow workers... to the people who work where you eat and shop... come out only to the people you know, and who know you. Not to anyone else. But once and for all, break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake. For their sake. For the sake of the youngsters who are becoming scared by the votes from Dade to Eugene.

Harvey Milk * "That's What America Is," speech given on Gay Freedom Day (1978-06-25) in San Francisco


Also for transsexuals it is less avoidable in many cases.

[69luvr]

I doubt if I will ever come out, except to a few very close friends and lovers. At 69, I am comfortable with my life as it is. I feel no compunction to tell what and who I am. I know, and that's enough for me.

Straight people usually don't feel a need to discuss their sexual experiences with everyone, nor do I. I can share my inner-most thoughts and desires with those I am close to...and here, on this site, because you/they are the ones who will understand.

I have no problem with anyone who is out, though, because that seems to be important to them.

I absolutely agree with you. No sense waking up a sleeping dog!