First day back to school and I move my work room this year

[dsc]

I work in a quite large school so if you don't work with a particular group of people, you often don't really know them well or at all. Plus there are a decent number of new teachers in that particular hall. So in some senses I am starting a little over on coming out (I am sure some of them know but who knows which do or which don't). I know it shouldn't really phase me, but it sometimes does. I know it will be OK and that I won't go back in the closet or anything, but still, those old tapes sometimes play in my head. Do any of you ever fell that way?

[Smarmie Doofus]

1. I had a GLBT History bulletin board with my name on it as author ...

... outside my classroom from March to August. For summer session they assigned me two new aides. ( New to me, not to the building.) After a week or two it became apparent that one of the aides ( admittedly not one of the sharpest knives in the kitchen drawer) was operating under the assumption that I was straight.

This is a smallish school where everyone gossips about each other all the time anyway.

Not only do you have to keep coming out over and over again but for some people you have to wear a friggin' SIGN.

So yes. There is always some awkwardness associated with how to break the news.

[FreeState]

2. I do feel that way

While Im not a teacher and literally everyone of my co-workers is a gay man I still get that feeling of uncertainty tinged with dread (just not at work). Im out to everyone I know, but every once and a while someone comes back that might not know (Facebook or just running into someone). I think its a programed response my mind goes to because its the easies/most common reaction. I just try to take a breath and remember it does not matter what they think of me, as long as Im happy with me who cares? That usually does the trick.

Good luck with the new school year!

[WildClarySage]

3. I'm still in the process of coming out.

So, yeah, lol, I feel that way. My job's a temporary one, ending soon (I run a summer youth work program) and I'm nervous about my being gay affecting my ability to find a permanent job... but after lying to myself for 42 years, I'm just not gonna lie about it anymore.

[dickthegrouch]

4. Unfortunately there's always the chance someone reacts badly

Yes, even after 40 years of being out, I'm still apprehensive of a new person's reaction. Only twice have I ever had bad reactions, but one of them was devastating to me and not easily overcome. Doesn't mean I'm any less out, just that I wait a little longer to correct what might be a misapprehension on their part.

Know your audience and pitch the overture or response appropriately.