I almost completely outed myself last night - to everybody.
We had a big, regional mid-singles Halloween dance last night. There were almost 500 people from all over Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. It was a fun dance. I like the whole costume thing. It allows me to assume a different persona for the evening - and it's totally acceptable because everyone else is doing it too.
Part of the festivities that always happen at these big gatherings for the 30-somethings is Speed Dating. No, it's not the type of dating where you have to partake of illegal drugs to get through the night (although that might help). And, like always, I got roped into doing it. I'm a fairly good conversationalist, so I can make people laugh and feel comfortable around me. It helps out, because a lot of these members of the female persuasion are single because they have lousy interaction skills. One of the reasons I think that I got roped into it this time was also that the person in charge of the activity is one of the girls in my ward that I came out to several months ago. I've helped her through some really tough times in the past so, bless her heart, she is trying to help me out now that I've told her everything. I love her dearly for genuine concern and desire to help, but it can also be annoying.
So, as I'm rotating through the pool of dead fish, on a few different occasions the girls were asking me about my ward and why it hasn't worked out for me yet. The third time this happened, I had one of those moments where you are in a conversation with someone but your mind is off having a conversation of its own. I don't really remember what I told her, but in my mind I was debating on whether or not it was time to finally just come out to everyone. I juggled the thought around for a while, thinking about how easy things would become if I just told people the truth:
The truth is that I don't really like girls, I like boys. That is why it hasn't worked out for me. It's the simplest answer there is. I'm surrounded by dozens of great people who I'm sure will make wonderful wives for whomever ends up marrying them. Why am I not marrying any one of them? I feel nothing for them. No feelings. No spark. No interest. Nothing whatsoever. That's why I'm as attractive as I am, have a great job, own a home, have investments, am musically gifted, well educated, etc, etc, and am still single. How can I be all of these things yet not be married? I am the definition of a paradox.
As those thoughts churned through my mind I crept closer to the edge of letting go of my fears and reservations completely. I loosened my grip on the rope that holds the curtains which are drawn to hide this part of me. I nearly let go.
Almost.
About Me
- Max Power
- Gay (actually) Mormon (culturally) guy in his mid-30s. Lives with the love of his life. Eats food every day. Loves to sleep at night. Works hard for the money, so you better treat me right.
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5 comments:
What are the pros and cons of coming out in your situation?
You are a celibate homosexual. This makes you a success story, from the point of view of the church's current position on homosexuality. Is that what's stopping you from coming out?
I just wonder if there is a gap between theory (what the church says in terms of fellowship for its celibate SSA members) and practice (how people would actually treat you). Is that what's stopping you from coming out?
I think that you hit the nail squarely on the head. I'm completely uncomfortable with putting the theory into practice. I really shouldn't be, but I am.
It's like trying to force yourself to get into that freezing cold ocean water for an early morning swim. You know it's going to suck at first, but you also know that you'll adjust to it and everything will be fine after a little bit of effort. Yet, I still stay at home in bed every morning. :)
But, hey, I just barely came out to my family this year, so I've got plenty of growing to do in this whole thing.
You're making good strides, Maximus.
Its good to hear from you Max. I've been wondering what is going on in your life. I wish I had answers for you...I often don't have them for myself. A part of me likes having a big secret...its kind of like being a superhero...only you don't save lives...and you can't fly...and you can't swing from buildings like a spider. Hmm...Now that I think about it we got the sucky end of the deal. Seriously though, I do sometimes think it would be nice if everyone could know and accept me and be fine, but something holds me back. And maybe its a good reason, maybe not. I would have to explain myself to everyone though if they knew and I don't think I would like that part. So anyway, I have no answers but when I read your posts my heart goes out to you. I wish there was something I could do for everyone to help.
I hope I can be totally out someday. Not make a big deal of it, but not be hiding anything, either. I'll need to wait until my kids get old enough. Another five years should do it.
I would love to be able to say the edgy clever things you thought of, then watch the reactions. I also feel like the church can only change its culture and attitudes one ward at a time, and its just simple folks like us who must step up to the task and be unashamed of who we are; no, grateful for who we are.
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