I "came out" to my mother at 17 but she said it was probably a phase. I came out to some closer friends at university when the law changed in England and Wales in 1967. We were in Scotland where the law wouldn't change for several more years.
Back in England, I came out in 1970 and I refused the offer of aversion therapy by my professors on my postgraduate training degree as a clinical psychologist. No, it wasn't the Christopher Street event that prompted my explosive coming out to all and sundry but I was aware of it and felt supported by it. I created a university group for gays, lesbians and their supportive friends. I had already joined the British Campaign for Homosexual Equality. I got elected to the executive committee shortly after.
Came out to your mom at 17. Regardless of her reaction, it seems you’ve always been a brave soul…love it. And love you for sharing your story! Cheers and queers, my dears…
When I came out (again) in 1970, at the age of 23 my mother wept because she was concerned that I would become an old, sad and lonely man with no children and grandchildren. My father went into the kitchen to make some tea so he could pretend that he hadn't heard. He was OK about it without having to react.
Mum was wrong. I am old and alone but happily so. I have two godsons in their 40s, married with children. I have always been a "father" and for a long time a grandfather.
My mum was philosophically drawn to "Know your self" and "Be true to your real self". No problem with family about coming out. Homophobia and prejudice in society has always been there, though.
I had to come out repeatedly to my mom too. She had a lot of the same “concerns.” When I reminded her being along/single isn’t the same thing as being lonely, she bristled. I never met someone so uneasy about being alone. Me? As an only child, I have rarely felt lonely or even bored. The loneliest and more bored I ever felt have been when I’m in a relationship with the wrong person. Appreciate you sharing…and caring, Uncle Ray! :-*
Certainly, a generational thing - the woman's role to be married, housekeeping and raising kids; mutual taking care of each other when the nest empties and the couple grow old together.
It is still part of the heteronormative expectation for both men and women.
I feel similarly to you about being alone but not lonely.
Clint, Thanks for this piece on PRIDE. I am old enough that I experienced "it" before, during, and after and continuing to this day. It is a never ending battle and we must talk about it, write about it, live it with pride. Thanks, Fondly, Michael
🌈🖖
I "came out" to my mother at 17 but she said it was probably a phase. I came out to some closer friends at university when the law changed in England and Wales in 1967. We were in Scotland where the law wouldn't change for several more years.
Back in England, I came out in 1970 and I refused the offer of aversion therapy by my professors on my postgraduate training degree as a clinical psychologist. No, it wasn't the Christopher Street event that prompted my explosive coming out to all and sundry but I was aware of it and felt supported by it. I created a university group for gays, lesbians and their supportive friends. I had already joined the British Campaign for Homosexual Equality. I got elected to the executive committee shortly after.
Came out to your mom at 17. Regardless of her reaction, it seems you’ve always been a brave soul…love it. And love you for sharing your story! Cheers and queers, my dears…
When I came out (again) in 1970, at the age of 23 my mother wept because she was concerned that I would become an old, sad and lonely man with no children and grandchildren. My father went into the kitchen to make some tea so he could pretend that he hadn't heard. He was OK about it without having to react.
Mum was wrong. I am old and alone but happily so. I have two godsons in their 40s, married with children. I have always been a "father" and for a long time a grandfather.
My mum was philosophically drawn to "Know your self" and "Be true to your real self". No problem with family about coming out. Homophobia and prejudice in society has always been there, though.
I had to come out repeatedly to my mom too. She had a lot of the same “concerns.” When I reminded her being along/single isn’t the same thing as being lonely, she bristled. I never met someone so uneasy about being alone. Me? As an only child, I have rarely felt lonely or even bored. The loneliest and more bored I ever felt have been when I’m in a relationship with the wrong person. Appreciate you sharing…and caring, Uncle Ray! :-*
Certainly, a generational thing - the woman's role to be married, housekeeping and raising kids; mutual taking care of each other when the nest empties and the couple grow old together.
It is still part of the heteronormative expectation for both men and women.
I feel similarly to you about being alone but not lonely.
Clint, Thanks for this piece on PRIDE. I am old enough that I experienced "it" before, during, and after and continuing to this day. It is a never ending battle and we must talk about it, write about it, live it with pride. Thanks, Fondly, Michael
Thank you, Michael. For living Pride and helping it live on! Cheers to all dears, nears, and/or queers!!!