Comments on: Come home, Black Sheep.

By: Kyeli

Kyeli — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:29:51 +0000

@Nick, thank you. It’s been good so far.

@Sonia, that’s my hope, too. I keep reminding myself that breathing and communication and openness will get me through this. (: So far so good. And, I giggle at “broom closet” and I used to be in it, so no worries. (;

By: Sonia Simone

Sonia Simone — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:05:52 +0000

Man, intense. I hope you have an amazing time, and that you can reconnect. If they can see that the scary “other” they fear is also that little girl they used to love so fiercely, maybe something very wonderful can happen. Fingers super crossed for you.

I’m sorry, I know it is wrong of me to giggle at the term “broom closet,” but it’s just so perfect.

By: Nick

Nick — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:11:14 +0000

I am proud of you for facing that fear. That takes a lot of courage. Godspeed.

By: Kyeli

Kyeli — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:49:28 +0000

@Justin, thank you, and good luck in your own journey.

@Chris, thanks! Also, my family is like Justin’s – being gay is only half of the issue. Being a witch is also a huge barrier to connection with them. I’ve had many friends who lost family on the single basis of religious differences. In fact, it happens to so many people, it’s even referred to as the “broom closet” – which you can hide in or come out of as with the “gay closet”. (:

By: Chris Rigby

Chris Rigby — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:22:35 +0000

I agree, it’s good that you are.

Justin, it’s weird to hear you talking about beiong ‘outed’ as an atheist in the same way that one might out as a gay/lesbian.

Where I’m from, almost everyone accepts religion/atheism as your own choice. There is no stigma attached to it, unlike homosexuality, which, unfortunately, is still seen as different and, to some people, wrong.

By: Justin

Justin — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:26:12 +0000

Right there with you. I was outed as an atheist a couple of years ago to my family before I figured out how to bring it up. A huge falling out ensued. My folks and I just don’t talk much. We’ve nothing in common but blood and history. Still, they’re important to me. So, I keep trying.

I think it’s great you’re taking a step toward reconciliation. Good luck!