I have come out to quite a few brothers and sisters and non-Jehovah's Witnesses. I got mixed reactions. In most cases, though, relationships cooled, and even ended. I even had one Circuit Overseer say, "I can think of nothing more disgusting than homosexuality." Another CO said that when he made his next visit he wanted to talk over a cup of coffee. Never happened. Even one who is a close friend that I even studied with is "supportive," but just keeps quoting Scriptures and telling me to pray,
As James wrote at James 1:15 and 16: "If any brothers or sisters are lacking clothing*and enough food for the day, yet one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but you do not give them what they need for their body, of what benefit is it???"
To us James 1:15 and 16 could read: "If any gay brothers or sisters are lacking the proper sexual orientation, yet one of you says to them, “Go in peace; read the Bible and pray, Jehovah can even make you heterosexual,” but you do not give them what they need for their mind and heart, and do not reach out to them as Jesus did saying "I want to" and asking questions like "What do you want me to do for you?" "How may I help?" "What's been happening in your life?" "How can I help you?", OF WHAT BENEFIT IS IT???"
Compare it to this scenario.
When we come out or seek help
and a listening and sympathetic ear,
it's like we're drowning and desperately need help.
We reach out in all sincerity.
The onlooker doesn't throw us what we need to help save our life.
Please click on this post:
How to help gay Jehovah's Witnesses?
How to comfort, encourage, and reassure them?
How do I come out to my family and friends?
There are many questions to consider before coming out. Doubtless you're sure about your gay sexuality? Will you have support? Can you be patient? What kind of views do your friends and family have about homosexuality? Are you financially dependent on your family? Make sure you have thought your decision through, have a plan, and supportive people you can turn to. Just as you need to experience different stages of acceptance for yourself, family and loved ones may well need to go through a similar process. Your loved ones will need time to adjust to your news, the same way you may have needed time to come to terms with yourself. However, true acceptance is possible and happens every day, especially with education and support.
to my family
to my friends
I came out in some videos on youtube. Click on the titles to watch.
Tour of the Website
"Support for Gay Jehovah's Witnesses"
Coming out video - English version
Coming out video - French version
Coming out video - German version
it's not always easy to come out. May you find comfort in this original song, "Do Not Be Afraid." Click on the following song title and see the lyrics and hear the song being sung. The digital button gives you the lyrics to the song being sung. Then click also on the video button to watch a music video appropriate to the song.
Do Not Be Afraid
Coming out can evoke fear.
It can be terrifying and
make a gay Jehovah's Witness become petrified.
But at such a time you'll find here a comforting confidant,
and a listening and sympathetic ear.