Coming Out
It's been a while since this has happened and I'm heartened that it did again recently.
Someone reached out to me and I was the first person he came out to.
He did so after having followed my blog since 2008 saying he felt like he knew me. I started my website "Out, Loud & Proud", http://www.geocities.com/jermyn_toh,when I was in my 20s. I hoped sharing my coming-out story would help people in their journey to be comfortable with themselves as gay people. It's heartening to know my blog continues that.
His concerns for not coming out are discrimintation, social stigma & possibly getting beheaded by family. The stories I shared with him about an openly out friend working as a PA in a ministerial office helped give him a different perspective on discrimination.
All this stems from fear. But I'm gald he took the first step to address his fear and to being a happier person able to come to terms with being himself.
Coming out is a different process for each person and my advice is to take baby steps. To go through this journey of self-discovery, gaining self-confidence & self-empowerment at your own pace.
Being able to be free from hiding behind half-truths is a wonderful & liberating way to live.
Surrounding yourself with people who will reaffirm and love for you for who you really are, all sides of you including the positive and not-so-positive, is the best way to live coz you'll never live in fear of being alone and uncared for.
This just reinforces the need for people to support Pink Dot.
Everyone should have the freedom to love, regardless of sexual orientation. But fear, ignorance and prejudice often stand in the way.
So I do hope this will make those who are closeted, who happen to read this blog, know that there are many others like you and some of them are taking their first tentative steps to be themselves openly.
For those who support freedom to love, do come for Pink Dot happening this Saturday at Hong Ling Park, 4.30pm.
Pink Dot Q&A
Q: Is this event legit or legal?
A: Yes, of course! We have registered for the event and we shall strive to conduct ourselves appropriately, as set out in National Parks’ terms and conditions. Who says we can’t behave and have fun at the same time!
Q: Is this a gay event?
A: As gay as any event can get at Hong Lim Park. The gathering is a show of support for those who believe in openness and love between people, regardless of their sexual orientation. Anyone can attend - straight and gay.
Q: Singapore is a largely conservative country. How can you organize such an event?
A: We love Singapore. This is our home and we believe that diversity is a cornerstone to our civil society. Like it or not, LGBT individuals exist. We are aware that many people harbour much hatred towards the LGBT community. That is why such events are important. It serves to foster understanding, and through that, there is hope for trust and social cohesion.
Someone reached out to me and I was the first person he came out to.
He did so after having followed my blog since 2008 saying he felt like he knew me. I started my website "Out, Loud & Proud", http://www.geocities.com/jermyn_toh,when I was in my 20s. I hoped sharing my coming-out story would help people in their journey to be comfortable with themselves as gay people. It's heartening to know my blog continues that.
His concerns for not coming out are discrimintation, social stigma & possibly getting beheaded by family. The stories I shared with him about an openly out friend working as a PA in a ministerial office helped give him a different perspective on discrimination.
All this stems from fear. But I'm gald he took the first step to address his fear and to being a happier person able to come to terms with being himself.
Coming out is a different process for each person and my advice is to take baby steps. To go through this journey of self-discovery, gaining self-confidence & self-empowerment at your own pace.
Being able to be free from hiding behind half-truths is a wonderful & liberating way to live.
Surrounding yourself with people who will reaffirm and love for you for who you really are, all sides of you including the positive and not-so-positive, is the best way to live coz you'll never live in fear of being alone and uncared for.
This just reinforces the need for people to support Pink Dot.
Everyone should have the freedom to love, regardless of sexual orientation. But fear, ignorance and prejudice often stand in the way.
So I do hope this will make those who are closeted, who happen to read this blog, know that there are many others like you and some of them are taking their first tentative steps to be themselves openly.
For those who support freedom to love, do come for Pink Dot happening this Saturday at Hong Ling Park, 4.30pm.
Pink Dot Q&A
Q: Is this event legit or legal?
A: Yes, of course! We have registered for the event and we shall strive to conduct ourselves appropriately, as set out in National Parks’ terms and conditions. Who says we can’t behave and have fun at the same time!
Q: Is this a gay event?
A: As gay as any event can get at Hong Lim Park. The gathering is a show of support for those who believe in openness and love between people, regardless of their sexual orientation. Anyone can attend - straight and gay.
Q: Singapore is a largely conservative country. How can you organize such an event?
A: We love Singapore. This is our home and we believe that diversity is a cornerstone to our civil society. Like it or not, LGBT individuals exist. We are aware that many people harbour much hatred towards the LGBT community. That is why such events are important. It serves to foster understanding, and through that, there is hope for trust and social cohesion.