Surprised by Acceptance

Comment

Comment by Graham Old on July 8, 2009 at 8:57am

What a cool story and a wonderful experience. And that final message/challenge is spot on.

Thanks for sharing.

Comment by Fable Goodman on July 8, 2009 at 12:48am

Thanks Bren,

Yes, I fully understand and agrree with your point.

Having came outmany times myself as (a gay man), and having counselled many people in similar situations, when I was training officer for a national gay counselling organisation, I know only too well, that despite how many people tell you that it will be easier than they fear... the experrience is still unique and fearful to the individual concerned.

It is in retrospect that people look back and say "that was much better than I feared" And indeed the truth is there is always the very real risk of the rejection of a negative response, from someone who you value.

This is why I think coming out (however many times and however many people you do it with) is an act of bravery.

Love and hugs,

Fable

Comment by Bren B on July 7, 2009 at 6:23pm

Dear Fable,

Although common collectively, coming out experiences are novel to every person who experiences them, and no reassurances that the person's experience bears similarity to those of others diminishes the emotional impact every time it happens. I say this only to remind you that every client you talk to who goes through this....it's still their first time, and it's still just as hard for them to do, even though others have gone through it before.

Thank you for taking time to write. Your words have significance to me.

Bren

Comment by Michael Haifleigh on July 7, 2009 at 6:03pm

Bren,

Thank you for taking that risk in the face of fear. And thank you for sharing the wisdom you pulled from the experience..

There's a message in here somewhere for hypnotists...who help us with the worlds inside our heads that often have tall, guarded walls; where there are actually wide avenues in the "real" world. Hm...yep...Why don't I just be myself? The worst is often not, and the burden of truth is lighter than the weight of the fear of the unknown.

Namaste,
(with reverence to you)
(love, integrity, wisdom, and peace)

Michael Haifleigh

Comment by Fable Goodman on July 7, 2009 at 4:32am

Hi Bren,

In essence this is quite a common story. When people 'come out', whether it be as a Transexual, transvestite, gay, conservative.... or whatever. People are often much more accepting than hey feared.

We project onto the situation, and characters, our own interalised opression and fears, and fully expect them to be rejecting of the part of ourselves which has been 'secret'.

Often all the clues have been there for a long time, and people have a sense of our difference, even though they may not accuratly have worked out what exactly it is. Taking the brave step of coming out, as you did, is very impowering, and helps to remove the internalised stuff which has been holdiing us back from taking other brave steps.

Well done!

Love and hugs,

Fable