For some gay and bisexual people the coming out process is difficult, for others it is not.
Often lesbian, gay and bisexual people feel afraid, different, and alone when they first realize that their sexual orientation is different from the community norm. This is particularly true for people becoming aware of their gay, lesbian, or bisexual orientation as a child or adolescent, which is not uncommon. And, depending on their families and where they live, they may have to struggle against prejudice and misinformation about homosexuality.
Children and adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of bias and stereotypes. They may also fear being rejected by family, friends,co-workers, and religious institutions. Some gay people have to worry about losing their jobs or being harassed at school if their sexual orientation became well known. Unfortunately, gay, lesbian and bisexual people are at a higher risk for physical assault and violence than are heterosexuals.
Studies done in California in the mid 1990s showed that nearly one-fifth of all lesbians who took part in the study and more than one-fourth of all gay men who participated had been the victim of a hate crime based on their sexual orientation. In another California study of approximately 500 young adults, half of all the young men participating in the study admitted to some form of anti-gay aggression from name-calling to physical violence.
On the Philippine context, coming out of every shell to gay men have gradually become acceptable. In the 80's where Curch teaching strongly condemns gay men, people have been classically conditioned to close their minds to accept homosexual activities. While it is true that there are still resistance in some parts of the country, the issue somehow manages to die in its natural death.
Gay men are now everywhere. They are even loved for their talents, skills and intelligence. Unlike previous perceptions, coming out in recent times has been more acceptable and is no more embarrassing.
I remember Ray Allen (introduced by a common friend) who joined Mr. GAy Philippines this year. He had told me that his parents were totally shocked when they learned that very same night of the pageant that their son was a daughter.They thought the show is for straight men vying over the most coveted title only to found out later during the question and answer portion that the pageant was participated in by gay men. The consolation perhaps is the title he bagged that night.
Having skills, talents, intelligence and productivity makes gaymen of today more proud and accepted.
They ("we" pala) now earned respect among colleagues, officemates, peers and community.
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