Let me just add a few random thoughts of mine, even thought the chances of any takeaway are slim 😅
My
first coming out was involuntary / in a moment and I was lucky to come
out to a very kind friend. It was very stressful but it helped me long
term, even with self-acceptance. Even though it was obvious for a long
time, I feel like I was only able to truly come out to myself only later
on, in fact, it took me over a year still.
The second time...
while it wasn't prepared in advance, I felt in control, and while it was
still quite difficult it turned out well and was kinda a nice moment. I
just needed to explain myself then I guess, since I was close with the
person and deferring the topic was becoming silly once I opened up quite
a bit about everything else.
Once I covered most of the people I
truly care about, it became more of a routine. That doesn't mean that
there are tens of people that know, but I don't make too much fuss about
it. I'm kinda lucky to be in a welcoming environment, sometimes I'm not
sure if it just passes that easily or people just did not get it.
On one occasion when I really wanted to just come out to a person I've simply prepared a few sentences I can lead with and it was over in a minute upon we'd met. And super cringe 😂. Because the lead-up felt lame, but no regrets. At the same time, not sure how I'd make it better next time.
I
still feel a minority stress in circles I haven't came out yet, which
is, I guess, my main motivation to try. Being sure that you're accepted
is just worth it, instead of guessing, and there is a nice bonus –
chance of getting a bunch of allies in the process. But finding the good moments is still tricky, majority of them feel too cringe or not fitting, forced. I don't want to sound like I'm offended or
special or something, so for example simply correcting heteronormative assumptions about myself is not doing it. Will see, maybe once, it may fit in well.
Small nudges, like carrying a badge / sticker, or, discussing a current topic, is a nice bridge. Not 100% but... counts.