|
|
Post by JustSomeAnon on Jan 7, 2015 22:37:04 GMT -8
This forum seems pretty dead but I'm gonna post this anyways. I am a closeted bisexual male freshman who has had trouble fitting in here at USD. I haven't come out to anyone but my close friends, none of whom go to USD, and my mother. I'm thinking about joining the PRIDE club next semester to meet people that I might be able to relate to more than the other people I've met here and to find a social space that I feel more comfortable in. However, I don't know if it will be worth coming out of the closet to join the club. My roommate and I are already pretty distant, and I know he's a conservative guy so I don't know how he or any of the other people on my floor would react if they found out. Also, I'm worried about the stigma that bisexuals face even within the LGBT community; I don't know if I'll be considered "gay enough" by people in the club.
So my question is this: is joining PRIDE worth the possible repercussions of coming out?
|
|
|
|
Post by JustSomeAnon on Jan 8, 2015 17:25:07 GMT -8
Also, note that I suffer from social anxiety, so putting myself out in a new social environment is daunting to me to begin with.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mama K on Jan 16, 2015 8:49:20 GMT -8
Hi! This is Mama K, AKA Evelyn Kirkley, PRIDE advisor. Thanks for your post! I encourage you to try PRIDE. There is no requirement to be out to be part of the group. We have folks who identify as heterosexual allies & everything else along the spectrum. We have more bisexuals than you might think. PRIDE is a family that loves you for exactly who you are. Of course that doesn't mean we aren't dysfunctional at times like all families! You don't have to talk if you don't want to. Our first meeting this spring is Wednesday, February 4 from 7 - 8 pm in UC 119, the Commuter Commons. I'm happy to talk offline as well. You can text me at 619-252-2016 or email ekirkley@sandiego.edu. You don't need to tell me your name. Hope to see you at PRIDE! |
|
|
|
Post by Anonymous USD Student on Jan 20, 2015 17:15:17 GMT -8
Hi Anon,
Like Mama K said, there is no requirement to join or participate in Pride meetings. I know of many people who chose to stay closeted even in the PRIDE space, and that is perfectly fine. PRIDE is a safe space and welcomes people of all different sexualities, so you can disclose or not disclose as much or as little as you would like.
In terms of talking about Pride with your social circle and roommates, I have heard (men mostly) say that they are in PRIDE because there are a lot of really hot straight/bi girls. While I don't agree with the objectification of women, this could be a wonderful excuse for you to use if you do not wish to come out to the members of your dorm.
Lastly like Mama K mentioned, there are a lot more bisexuals in PRIDE than most people expect.
Hope this helps!
|
|
|
|
Post by The Irishman on Jan 20, 2015 17:52:15 GMT -8
Hi there! I'm on the exec board for Pride...and I also happen to be a closeted bisexual male who was in the exact same dilemma last year as you are now. Believe me when I say that joining Pride will not out you in any way, shape, or form. When I joined I hid my orientation and claimed to be a straight ally, but once I came to know and trust the Pride family (and believe me, we ARE a family!), I shed my disguise and nobody even blinked; my orientation didn't matter because I was a part of the family. If you're looking for a social space in which you may feel more comfortable, than look no further than Pride.
Also, don't sweat the roommate thing. My roommate last year was rather distant and conservative, and when he discovered my involvement with Pride he couldn't care less. Granted, I told him I liked girls...I just merely neglected to tell him that I like guys, too. Your secret is as safe as you want it to be, and Pridesters respect anonymity if requested. Don't get me wrong, we'll still say hi to you if we see you (sometimes screaming across campus and waiving enthusiastically), but your secret will be safe with us.
As other responses have said, there's no such thing as "gay enough" to join, and there will very, very, very, very likely be NO repercussions from joining Pride. Either way, it's 100% worth it, trust me.
I'm usually one of the greeters at the front door of meetings, so I look forward to welcoming you to Pride! It's always nice to meet someone else who knows what it's like to be a closeted, bisexual male. See you then!
|
|
