Ok, my coming out story is not as straight forward as most. My story would start when I would of been about 13-15 where I would start to catch myself looking at guys and having some “fun” with a friend from school.
Fast forward to when I was 20-22 when I served my mission I had some nice companions but it was mainly look but don’t touch. Then I came home and went on with life getting asked every Mormons favourite question “when are you gonna start dating?” a question I hated because I always knew at the back of my mind that I was gay and because of how small the church is in Australia. If people found out I could of been shunned. Also, I grew up in the same ward so most of the girls there were like sisters as we had known each other since primary.
Fast forward a few years later and one of the wards in my old Stake was disbanded and they did a 3 way readjustment and with that came some new families. I started dating this girl who was nice but clingy for my liking. One day I was out with one of my best mates and he asked how the dating was and if i think I would marry. To which I replied with a shrug of the shoulders and a smirk and said “she would love me no matter what even if I was gay.” I couldn’t believe I uttered those words out loud.
Not to long after that I sat down with her and I came out to her. I told her that I knew I was gay and that it was hindering our progress. We talked and agreed to remain friends but go our separate ways. One time I was staying the night at my sisters house and one of my nieces kept asking if I have a girlfriend but I kept changing the topic. When I got home I sent my sister a private message on Facebook telling her. So, she then called my parents who then called me and I admitted it.
My dad was fine at first but my Mum was a bit hesitant. They are both understanding about it now. Then we had a class at church where we were talking about the law of chastity one of the topics was about homosexuality. So, I made an appointment with my bishop and opened up to him. But then due to things out of my control I moved from Melbourne to the Gold Coast. The first bishop of my new ward had an open-door policy where if you want to see him you just walk into his office. But he then got released due to health reasons and I continued with my current bishop and then Stake president about my sexuality.
Today, I am fully out personally but will take a while to be fully out publicly.
That is my story so far! I am still writing it today.
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Each Sunday we feature a new Coming Out Story on the Latter Gay Stories website. Coming out is an important process that is different for everyone. Some experiences are difficult; while others are heart-warming and inspiring.
Coming out is rarely easy—but your story will help others draw inspiration and make progress by learning from your experiences.
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