When I Came Out

When I came out I discovered that the closet is a prison of my own making.

When I came out as a transman, my friend looked me up and down and said, “Well, now you make sense!”

When I came out, one of my friends thought I was conducting some kind of psychological experiment on him.

When I came out, my wife asked me to leave the house and my two kids. I took a suitcase, a chair (?), and my car. Worst experience ever.

When I came out, I told my mom and dad. My father was suffering from terminal cancer. His reaction was “I have never been more proud of you.” After my father passed away we found out he was also gay.

When I came out, my dad said, “You always were a weird little kid.” We laughed, cried, and hugged.

When I came out, my mom wanted to know who had molested me because that is how she thinks people “become” gay. She refuses to believe that I have never been sexually victimized.

When I came out, I was sure my conservative Christian parents would disown me. My mom had a few questions, and it was a non-issue. My dad’s emailed response was “I hope you’re as good for her as she seems to be for you.” We will celebrate 8 years together this year.

When I came out to my mother, she listed single men she knew and asked me to use my gaydar on them.

When I came out, my Dad cried, “I knew it!” and punched the air. I looked on in astonishment as my Mom laughed and then said, “Seriously, though. He called it when you were in high school.”