A Big Revelation

It is time for me to let all of you know something. There were a lot of people I wanted to tell in person before I revealed this to everyone else, so now it's time to let the rest of you know.

I'm gay.

There, I said it. It's out there. I know that I must be executed now according to Leviticus 20:13, but before that happens, here's a little Q & A based on some of the most common responses I have received upon revealing this about myself. And yes, I know that some of these are not actually questions, but statements. Get over it.

Q: Are you serious?
A: Yes.

Q: Are you still attracted to women? (Also phrased as, "Just HOW gay are you?")
A: I am still attracted to women.

Q: So, you're bi then?
A: This is a little tough to explain, and some people don't get it. Since I am still attracted to women, I guess that technically makes me bisexual. And even though I have been in serious debates about this recently, I believe most (not all) people are bisexual to some degree. That doesn't mean they identify as bisexual, though. Even though I am still attracted to women, I am way more interested in men, and I do not identify as bisexual.

Q: How long have you known?
A: I've known that there was some attraction to other guys since sometime around high school. I've managed to suppress and hide it (even from myself) for a very long time. Occasionally, I would catch myself looking at an attractive guy a little too long, then look away, hoping nobody else noticed. It has only been very recently that I fully accepted and embraced this part of who I am.

Q: There's something wrong with you. (Yes, this was actually said to me.)
A: I am the same person that I was before you learned this about me. Remember all of the great times we had together, generic friend? Well, those memories aren't going to go away now that you know I'm gay. Whatever you thought about me before (good or bad), go ahead and keep thinking that, with one minor alteration that probably will not affect you in any way.

Q: I already knew that about you.
A: Congratulations!

Q: I love you, but I don't support that lifestyle.
A: I really, really, REALLY hate the word "lifestyle" in this context. I'm not living any particular lifestyle. I'm just being me. Perhaps what you mean to say is that you think gay sex is icky, or that you think it's a sin (and if you think that, read this). But there is no more a particular "gay lifestyle" than there is a "straight lifestyle." There are a myriad of people who identify as gay or lesbian, and there is not one particular "lifestyle" that applies to all of them.

Q: You're not really gay.
A: This is a non-starter to any conversation you want to have about this. You may express your opinions, and I will try my best to keep calm and respond in a respectful way. But you are not in a better position than me to tell me whether I am gay or straight. There is literally nowhere to go with this conversation if you cannot accept what I am saying to you at face value.

Q: Are you sure?
A: Yes.

Q: Are you going to try to recruit me now?
A: Yes, it is required as part of the homosexual agenda.

I am well-aware of the fact that I will likely lose a few Facebook friends because of this. I might actually be sad to see some of them go. For those of you who have decided to stick around, thank you, and if you have any questions not seen above, feel free to ask.