Welcome to Gaia! ::

OK, I am coming out at work tomorrow....umm, today that is now considering its 2am. I am really nervous. I know that they can't fire me based on my orientation but I'm feeling like I may have to quit anyhow. I do like my job its just that for one thing I work with kids and I know some parents will complain and also there's one person on the board who I know is homophobic and I don't feel comfortable working around him and he is not going to be comfortable around me once he knows. Anyway, I know this has to be done, I've cried off sick for the last fortnight scared to face them so it has to be done. So.. think of me tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes.

Good luck. I'm sure everything will be fine.

Why does it have to be done, out of curiosity?

im also wondering that. i came out at work to a few people because it came up in conversation, and i kind of threw a mini b***h fit at a customer the other day so some more coworkers found out during that argument. luckily my super conservative boss doesnt care

but just planning to come out out of the blue like that doesnt seem like the best idea. if you are so worried about them ruining your life at your job over it then why force a coming out?

and if it makes you feel any better, when i was in highschool we had a lesbian teacher and as far as i know no one ever complained

I think sometimes there is to much pressure to come out in adverse conditions. Its about what will better your life. If the gain of coming out is much less the not doing it then dont. Its not a betrayal to your self or the LBGT community to keep it hidden.

Thanks to everyone for all the messages support and advise. I thought it was necessary to come out because I live and work in a very small community where they are going to become aware of it anyway especially as I am mixing and socialising more now like there's this gay bar I go to on Sunday afternoons now etc. and I know they are going to find out and I thought I should tell them myself first, also I work with kids I was thinking there might be complaints from some parents who don't want a homo guy teaching their kids it does happen and I thought work ought to know and be prepared that as people do become aware there might be some slack. However I chickened out any way. I'm really thinking of just quitting and making a career change anyhow. I've taken sick leave for now. Thanks again, Dylan.

Where do you live? Two of my friends are gay elementary School teachers and they have gotten Zero flack from anyone. Kids that young don't even know about sexuality yet so its doesn't even matter that much.

How would people in your town know you are going to a gay bar unless you tell them or they go there theselves? confused


Hi. It's a very small town population under 82,000 and everyone seems to know everyone's business and the bar I like going to with my friends is opposite the tea rooms and grocery store! Its only a matter of time before I'm outed I know. I just keep thinking its better coming from me rather than people thinking I've been secretive like I'd hiding or ashamed which I'm not anymore. And the kids would be great I know its parents I worried about. But you've reassured me somewhat and maybe I am being a bit paranoid. I've just had some nasty ism against me in the past in another town.

Thanks. I've decided to give in my notice. I really want a career change now anyhow, I was getting uncomfortable there (one openly homophobic guy there).
Dylan