Thread by @Personhoodlives

I once had a conversation with someone who I wasn’t “out” to. He asked me why should people who experience same-sex attraction need to come out anyway? Why should they tell anyone? They should keep those things private instead of broadcasting them.

Let’s talk about why:

First. I want to state that I was in an exgay leaning forum that pretty much argued that we shouldn’t come out to anyone. I felt like I was doing a wrong thing when I told my first friend ever. What a tragic place to be. But it allowed me to compile important reasons to come out

#1 finally getting it out. For the longest time I thought I was completely alone in my struggle. I was depressed and alone. So alone. Speaking to someone released a soul crushing weight from upon me.

#2 it helps me be loved the way I need to be loved. I could never share what had me down, or what I was in desperate need of when I couldn’t share anything related to my sexuality.

#3 it has become increasingly hard to get intimately close to someone when I don’t know how they would respond to me being attracted to the same sex. I feel deep anxiety not knowing whether a friend will still alongside me.

#4 experiencing attraction to the same sex has shaped my worldview. I notice marginalization, idolatry of marriage, lack of singleness conversation, so many more things affected by my struggles growing up. It’s wonderful to be able to freely address that influence.

#5 It was an incredible breath of fresh air to have a group of friends who all knew. They knew and still loved me deeply. Coming out allows people to self-filter and show their true colors.

#6 the gay jokes stop (while I’m in the room at least)

#7 this is an INTEGRAL part of my testimony and relationship with Christ. He has carried me through a lot in this, and without being able to talk about sexuality I’m doing a disservice to God’s grace in my life. I cannot stress how important this point is.

#8 it is an amazing way to minister the gospel. 👏I 👏 LOVE 👏 JESUS 👏 SO 👏 MUCH 👏 THAT 👏 I 👏 AM 👏 ABSTAINING 👏 FROM 👏 SEX 👏 FOR 👏 LIFE 👏

How much do I love Jesus? I LOVE JESUS SO MUCH THAT I’D RATHER LISTEN TO HIM THAN THE IMMEDIATE TANGIBLE DESIRES I FEEL IN MY BODY

How much do you love Jesus? I love Jesus so much that I’m continuing to stay in his church that hurt me deeply.

#9 I don't have to worry about policing myself in such a way so that people won't "guess" about me. Though that’s more of a future hope for me.

#10 I want to be there for the younger boys who were like me, who have no clue what’s going on. They feel unique. They think they struggle alone.

I wish I knew someone like me when I was younger.

#11 Representation matters. And it’s not in the church right now. In the evangelical church there AREN’T EVEN SINGLE SPIRITUAL LEADERS LET ALONE GAY ONES. WHO IS GOING TO GO BEFORE US AND TELL US IT WILL ALL BE ALRIGHT

Thanks for reading. There are many other reasons, I’m sure. But this is a taste.

I hope as I open up I get to be a mouthpiece for God’s love and grace.

@threadreaderapp unroll