Wow. It's great to hear everyone's stories. Most of us have stories to tell, and who doesn't like to talk about themselves.

Here's mine.

I was dating this guy, my first real relationship and he kept encouraging me to come out. I was afraid. I was in a job where I knew it wouldn't be 100% accepted and it worried me. I didn't want to tell my family for the usual reasons, although I knew I wouldn't be shunned. Now, in hindsight, this wasn't the best guy to take advice from. He actually went on the Jerry Springer show. HULLO? But that's another story.

So, I decided to go for it. I came out to nearly everyone I know over one weekend. The timing was interesting. Sunday was Father's day and Monday was my 30th birthday.

My family was cool, my mom cried and spent a long time "worrying" afterword. I don't know why but she's my mom so that's 90% of it. My brother and his wife said they figured. My dad just accepted it like it was nothing. Which is cool.

1 of my good friends said "I don't understand it and don't like it, but that doesn't change anything - we're still buds."

Another friend who had totally freaked when another friend came out had me really worried. He told me he spent a long time thinking about it and talking to his wife. In the end he chose our friendship over his concerns.

Overall - no problems. It was a nervewracking weekend, but extremely cathartic. I've never looked back. I don't flaunt my sexuality to everyone, but don't ever deny it or pretend to be straight.

I wish everyone could have the kind of support I found.