Also known as: author_robert
I came out as a gay man in the mid - 1990’s when I was 46. It was a cathartic experience. It took two years to come out to co-workers, family and friends, new outlooks and personal growth – a near total re-birth. Prior to that, I was very closeted. Many suspected but it was never discussed. I was unhappy frustrated and kept everything bottled up. The trigger for my coming out was attending a large gay naturalist event in Pennsylvania. I still marvel that I went alone! I was exposed to gay men of all ages, from all walks of life, men who possessed marvelous talents, humor, tenderness and concern, humanity, and friendship. It was a profoundly life changing experience. I came out to my step brother a week later. I was so scared I was shaking. He, along with almost everyone else except my natural brother, was exceptionally supportive. I worked at a large insurance company as a technology project manager. Many of my co-workers suspected I was gay. Almost everyone was supportive and understanding when I told them. In time, it simply became a non-issue. I faced my fears. I made a leap of faith. I understand the terror that many gay kids are in. And I understand that coming out, accepting who you are, is like putting a key in a door and finding the courage to open the door. And when I opened it and stepped into a new life, I found I was full of light!
