Being Gay in a Conservative Environment
Greetings all,
My name is Tommy. I am 27 years old and living in Staten Island, New York. I just wanted to pose the question and perhaps get some feedback as to how some of yall navigate being LGBTQ+ in a conservative environment? I grew up in an Italian-American household and I am adopted from Guatemala so my sexuality has never been a topic that my family and I have ever really openly talked about or discussed after my coming out. Its also difficult as I work in an LGBTQ space and that takes away from being able to develop a more personal bond with other LGBTQ+ Staten Islanders.
Thanks to whatever feedback yall may have in advance!
@Tommyboy12
Hi! I'm Wright; I live in South Carolina. It's... not great? I'm only out to a few people at work (I'm a teacher, and the stigma can be pretty intense). I look over my shoulder on dates and avoid the more conservative cities/suburbs for my own mental health. I've had strangers try to pray for me or get me involved in their church because I look visibly queer.
Overall, though, I've still ended up feeling mostly comfortable. A lot of that comes from the fact that I've been able to surround myself with gay friends. I have straight friends who are genuine and kind and all of those good things, but they don't "get it" and they often don't try to-- my closest friends are LGBTQ+, and I feel safer and happier in their company.
While I'm still trying to work up to this step, I know that most of my friends also go to therapy. I'm not speaking from personal experience here, obviously, but I know that for them it's made it easier to cope and made them feel happier/more secure overall.
In your post, you mentioned that it's difficult for you to connect with other LGBTQ+ people around you because of your job. I trust that's true, but I don't think I understand why; are you willing to explain?
Hey, im... Kj. I live in queens. It is not friendly but here you are meant to be tough and me being bi makes them think im not. I have some supportive people but because they are around a gay/me that get bullied as well. Anyways im glad/sad people feel the way i feel.
Im here to ask for an Oscar Award nomination for best acting. I got a pretty strong crush on this friend of mine and this one day we was sharing a seat since there were none left, but I had barely any space. So I scooted off onto the floor, and guess what he said? He scooted over, patted the seat, and said come back little buddy sit with me and honestly my heart nearly melted. But I kept it together, sat with him, and kept the act. So yea, wheres my Oscar?
@Tommyboy12
In my case, i just stayed in the closet because it's illegal in my country. I always wondered though what would i do if i went to another country where i could get more freedom. would i let my family know or keep pretending in front of them while living my own personal life away from those who once knew me ? One thing i'm sure of is that i'll try to make friends from the LGBTQ+ community once i'm free.