soapinmybacon:

softheartedbutch:

it worries me so much that there’s been this (mostly unintentional) culture built up around coming out, to where young lgbt kids are putting themselves in danger at school and at home because they don’t want to “live a lie.” i just want to say, i came out when i was 15 and it created a lot of difficulties in my life that i could have avoided by waiting until i was older. it isolated me socially, it exposed me to homophobia from my parents, my family, my teachers, and my classmates at the most important developmental stages of my own confidence and sense of self… closeted people are not living a lie. closeted people are surviving. don’t let anyone pressure you to come out before you’re ready. don’t put yourself at risk when you don’t have to.

Waiting isn’t a sign of weakness. The idea that you’re waiting for the right moment to “strike” is a smart one, and a strong one.

plus you never know – you never know for sure – how people are gonna react. my liberal parents who vocally supported gay rights almost kicked me out and abused me until i left by myself. some super religious people reacted surprisingly well. you never know, so don’t put yourself in danger, please.