I never knew, when I de-planed in Los Angeles, that I'd find myself in so many ways. Not just because I'd landed in La La land, but because I'd stepped into my truth. In fact, I was finally about to shed my mask and tell my wife I was gay. Of course, I had a treacherous commute on the 405 South that would give me every opportunity to back out... I didn't have to do this. Except for one reason: I had decided to be authentic!
Now, if someone had told me that being authentic and coming out of the closet would shake up my values, beliefs and perception of self, I probably would have laughed and said "Duh!" Yet, rather than sound like an ingrate, I probably would have also asked, "How so?" In those two words lie the magic, the magic that goes well beyond "I'm out, so let me stand proud!" Oh, no, no, no! There is so much more that happens when you finally say, "I’m gay!”
Predictably, you stand in your sexual essence declaring your attraction to the same sex. And, depending on your sexual proclivities, you may call forth your twink, your bear, your diva, or even your muscle daddy to tantalize a man into your world. It's all good, and all part of getting you down the road, out of the closet and into living your authentic gay life.
Then suddenly, what you least expect starts to show up. This is a "fair warning advisory!" Emotions and realizations you never thought existed leap out, and suddenly you're having all sorts of feelings that you either want to put under a microscope and explore, or sweep under the rug and ignore. Might I suggest, for your own good and peace of mind, that you explore.
For me, I suddenly started seeing I had a strong voice about being real and standing my truth in many areas of my life. From politics to religion, managing finances, to being "me" in gay social circles, and everything in between. Suddenly I was in heat more than Blanche Devereaux on a dateless Saturday night and standing up for myself in ways I never thought possible. No longer was I the chubby guy in the locker room. Nor was I the poor farm kid who lived in the shack down the road from the school. No way, no how. I was now a gay man with something to say because I'd finally stepped out of my mask and stepped into my authentic self!
Beyond the closet doors, not only did I find an initially scary space called "authenticity" to now call home, I also found rooms filled with vulnerability, trust, audacity, curiosity, questioning and respect. Each were custom-designed by my own tapestry of independent thinking and painted in the bright hues of my own beliefs, not the beliefs of others.
Along the way I began to discover I was free to interact in gay social circles "my way." Simultaneously, I uncovered spiritual beliefs that solidified my faith in a higher power. And, when I least expected it, I started to create a life I'd always dreamed about but never thought possible — being my own boss and running my own business.
Now, 13+ years later, out and proud, with a lot of life lessons learned as a "recovering" heterosexual, I see that not only did coming out free me to live my truth and be authentic, it gave me permission to be so much more than I ever expected on the day I said, "I’m gay!"
Rick Clemons, The Gay Mans Life Coach And Coming Out Coach, Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Energy Leader Index, Master Practioner (ELI-MP), International Coach Federation, Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
Sign-up for Ricks' Free Video Series, "Coming Out Without Coming Unglued!” and connect with Rick through his Coming Out And Life Coaching Newsletter.
Like to chat with Rick? Schedule A Complimentary Session! Sessions available via phone, Skype, and in-person.
More Stories On YourTango:
This article originally appeared on YourTango.com: "Embracing Your Homosexuality To Live Your Best Life"
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.