thelesbianlifestyle.com

I’ve read a lot of times that coming out isn’t one single moment, its an ongoing process. I didn’t want that to be true, I wanted a big dramatic moment and then for everything to just settle into a new pattern where I didn’t have to constantly open myself to people’s scorn or disapproval just by telling them who I was. I left it late, nearly 24 by the time I found the courage to be who I am. I met an amazing girl, fell for her pretty much instantly and was forced to confront what I’d been hiding from since my early teens.

It wasn’t easy, there was a lot of repression to work through and I had to break up with a lovely guy who luckily has been very understanding and amazingly still wants to be friends. So far the worst reactions have been from my sister, who accuses my girlfriend of using me just for a nice stable house and dependable income. She’s never liked anyone I dated so this isn’t a surprise, but it’d be nice if just for once she could try to be supportive. Coming out to my parents was hard, my mother cried and suggested therapy, my dad just shrugged and went back to watching football on the TV. Surprisingly its my elderly, right wing aunt who’s been most supportive. I’ve always been her favourite niece and she just wants to see me happy.

More than anything I’m relieved to have an excuse not to take part in the hetrogirl bitchfest of hair/makeup/clothes/gender appropriate interests. I cut my hair short, I only wear makeup occasionally and I wear what’s comfortable. I’m an unashamed geek, I love videogaming and fantasy novels. Does that makes me butch? Maybe. Does it matter?

Last week I took one of the most important steps on my coming out road, I told my mother about my girlfriend. She took it better than I expected, she sighed and said that she just wanted me to be happy. Before she knew I was seeing someone, she thought it was only a matter of time before I came to my senses and got back together with that nice boy and went back to my quiet, boring life.

I went to my first ever Pride with my girlfriend last month and it was brilliant. I felt to relaxed and happy. For the first time ever, I feel like I really fit in somewhere. I’m not done coming out, maybe I’ll never be, but I’m at a point now where I’m happy, safe, comfortable and excited to see what the future brings. Isn’t that all anyone can hope for?

Sent in by: Anonymous
Age: 22
Location: UK