Today (Wednesday 11th October 2017) is National Coming Out Day. Coming out is when a gay man or lesbian woman disclose that they are attracted to the same sex to someone. Coming out for a bisexual is when they disclose that they are attracted to both sexes to someone.
National Coming Out Day – Wednesday 11th October 2017.
Coming out is a process, rather than a singular experience and is a life long one. Gay, lesbian and bisexual people come out in all areas of their lives including: to family, to friends, to work colleagues, to health & social care professionals, etc. Coming out is diverse, some are out to everyone, some are only out to some people in their lives and some aren’t out at all.
All gay, lesbian and bisexual people remember their first coming out experience and sometimes choose to share their intimate stories with one another. These shared experiences, along with associated emotions can create strong empathetic bonds.
Trans people also go through the process of coming out. I’m not Trans, so this article will only focus on coming out for gay, lesbian and bisexual people.
This article gives 5 great reasons to come out as gay, lesbian or bisexual. But only come out if you feel that it is safe to do so. Don’t put yourself at risk of harm in any way. If you live in a country that mistreats, or persecutes, or where homophobia and biphobia is evident it may be safer not to come out.
Here’s 5 great reasons to come out:
5. More Chance of Meeting Mr or Ms Right
Being out will switch on your gaydar. Suddenly you’ll start to notice attractive gay men, or lesbian women or both sexes everywhere. Being out and becoming part of the out world will lead to more opportunities to meet Mr or Ms Right.
4. A New Lease of Life
Coming out will give you a new lease of life. You’ll become part of the gay community, which is rich with its own unique culture and many sub-cultures. There’s something for everyone in the gay community. You’ll make new friends, lovers and partners.
3. Acceptance
Gay, lesbian and bisexual people going through a process of self-acceptance prior to coming out to others. Part of coming out to others is about gaining acceptance from those you hold dear. Acceptance and tolerance for difference is something that has always been a struggle for humans. But slowly, in more and more countries around the world, we are becoming more tolerant, inclusive and accepting.
LGB (Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual) people in some places gave gained more rights and protections. In some places they have been given truer equality, just think about the legal right marry their partners.
In history most LGB were not able to marry their partners because they were of the same sex. Yet straight people have always been able to marry their partners. By allowing all to marry their partners, irrespective of gender, is true equality. You can read more about The History of Marriage (in the UK) here.
2. Happier and Healthier
You’ll be happier not keeping the secret from people. Keeping your sexuality is a secret is a lot of work: watching what you say, watching what you do and watching how you behave.
Add to the above saying, doing and behaving like others would expect a straight person to. Analysing situations in your head for a long time after they’ve happened, wondering if your act was good enough?
You will be mentally healthier as well. Those who are not out are more at risk of depression, anxiety and other mental health illnesses due to feelings of isolation and the burden of keeping the secret.
1. Be Yourself
Coming out gives you the chance to be your whole self, without having to hide one of the most important aspects of yourself.
Are there any other great reasons to come out? Leave a comment below.
Blog soon,
Antony
Wednesday 11 October 2017
A List of Things I’ve Done on a Week of Annual Leave
By AntonyAmazon, Books & Authors, Friends & Family, Games, Gay, Happiness & Joy, Health, Life2 CommentsI’ve just been off work for a week on much needed annual leave. I’ve had a great week off, the weather has been warm, but with intermittent sun and showers. Here’s a list of things I’ve done:
- Had plenty of rest and relaxation – including some naps here and there.
- Finished reading Carrie by Stephen King and reviewed it.
- Attended Wigan Pride (gay pride event), organised by BYOU+. It was a great event which included: a parade led by the legendary Sir Ian Mckellen (better known to some as Gandalf or X-Men’s Magneto), a stage with local performers performing (also opened by Mckellen) and a marketplace of information stalls. BYOU+ and the residence of Wigan did Wigan proud and it is an event that I shall look forward to attending again in the future. Here are some photos from the day:
 Wigan Pride Parade (1) |
 Wigan Pride Parade (2) |
 Wigan Pride Parade (3) |
 Wigan Pride Parade (4) |
 Wigan Pride Parade (5) |
 The closest I could get to Sir Ian Mckellen (under the rainbow brolly). |
 Wigan Pride Main Stage |
 Sir Ian Mckellen opening the main stage (1) |
 Sir Ian Mckellen opening the main stage (2) |
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- Caught up with Sye, James and Sye’s family (who are kind of like my adoptive family!).
- Watched Game of Thrones Season 5 and Season 6.
- Published Did You Know? (Part 5 – Animals) blog post.
- Did the big shop.
- Had my eyes tested at Specsavers, got a new prescription and had the lenses put in my existing FCUK frames (as I still love them and they suit the shape my face).
- Had coffee out (twice) and lunch out (once) on my own, to have some me time.
- Went on my monthly man date, we had dinner out at a posh place.
- Ordered an Inspire Now Journal.
- Caught up on some of my housework.
- Finished reading Spellcraft for Hedge Witches by Rae Beth and reviewed it.
- Read Forever is the Worst Long Time by Camille Pagan and reviewed it.
- Watched a couple of episodes of the new season of Zoo (season 3).
- Started reading The Radleys by Matt Haig.
- Got my hair cut and coloured.
- Played some Sid Meier’s Civilization VI [Mac Code].
- Took a photo of a rainbow from my bedroom window, here’s the photo:
A photo of a rainbow from my bedroom window.
Blog soon,
Antony
Saturday 19 August 2017
Last Weekend: The Fantastic, Fabulous & Funny La Cage Aux Folles and The Hilarious Despicable Me 3
By AntonyFriends & Family, Gay, Gigs & Shows, Happiness & Joy, TV, Online Streaming & FilmsNo Comments La Cage Aux Folles Poster at Liverpool Empire Theatre |
On Saturday of the last weekend Simon, Chrys and I went to the matinee of La Cage Aux Folles at Liverpool Empire Theatre.
We got to Liverpool early, had lunch and a look around the shops. The weather was warm and sunny. La Cage Aux Folles was fantastic, fabulous and funny. The cast were brilliant in their roles, the costumes glittered and gleamed, the dancing was skilled and singing spot on. In-between musical numbers various members of the cast engaged the audience with a good amount of camp comedy. La Cage Aux Folles was so good, I would definitely and happily see it again. If you’ve never seen La Cage Aux Folles, you should go and see it. You’d love it. |
La Cage Aux Folles – No photos were allowed during the show.
 Despicable Me 3 – Hilarious and laugh-out-loud. |
On Sunday Steve and I went to see Despicable Me 3. Here is what it’s about:
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Steve and I enjoyed the film. Gru’s twin brother, Dru, was endearing. Obsessed with the 80s Balthazar Bratt brought back memories of my childhood. The film has loads of hilarious scenes, the audience laughed-out-loud several times at our showing. And of course it has the loveable minions, which no Despicable Me film would be complete without.
Blog soon,
Antony
Thursday 13 July 2017
About
Antony Simpson - Author, Blogger, Nurse & Witch.
Author of five books:
Ways The Human Can Go Wrong
Are you a Doctor, Nurse, Healthcare Assistant or Other Healthcare Professional? Or a Student?
Ways The Human Body Can Go Wrong covers every system of the body, what can go wrong when the body malfunctions or fails, symptoms (including why these happen) and cures/treatments available.
It includes knowledge around essential skills for Clinical Excellence such as Assessment, All Age Observational Norms, Models of Care, Communication/Handover Tips, the role of Specialities, Medication Tips, Dealing with Errors, Documentation Advice and a list of Useful Resources.
It is written in plain English, but highlights important medical terminology. It has been written at a level where someone from a non-medical background can pick it up and learn, but that it is still valuable to those with significant Clinical Experience.
My Royal Navy Friend
My dear friend Roy decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and enlist in the Royal Navy.
I wanted to maintain our friendship, to continue to support Roy, to make him laugh and to entertain him. So I came up with the idea of sending him a weekly email on random topics.
These emails were on a variety of topics, always being entertaining, sometimes being interesting, sometimes funny and occasionally being serious.
Topics included: Jokes, Puzzles, Inspirational Quotes, Future Technology to Be Excited About, How to Fight A Shark, How to Woo A Turtle, Some of the Most Amazing Jobs in the World, Facts About Castles, Do Aliens Exist?, The Kindest Humans, A List of Cakes, 13 Weird Body Facts, 20 Super Space Facts, Ancient Egyptian Curses, 10 Weird Olympic Games, The Great Emu War of 1932, Quiz: Flags of the World, Legendary Characters from the UK and others.
My Royal Navy Friend is a copy of these emails. In total, there are 52 emails. Dispersed throughout the book are also Royal Navy facts and stories.
The Alcohol Therapy Workbook
This workbook has been designed for anyone that is struggling with alcohol or has struggled with alcohol in the past.
It is written in a Motivational Interviewing style, one of the key therapies used to support people with alcohol issues. It has been designed using a trauma-informed approach and is strength–based.
What you will find in this book is more than just worksheets about alcohol. You’ll find all the tools someone needs to get into recovery from alcohol and stay there. It’s a therapy-based book, not an alcohol-based book.
SpellCast
SpellCast is a comprehensive compendium of spells, oils, charms and talismans. It is purely a book about magic, folk magic for the 21st century. The spells are ones that are tried and tested, with some that will stand the test of time.
In SpellCast you will read about the power of Instant Magic, of Banishment & Bindings, Blessings, Cleansing, Communication, Death, Employment, Finance & Money, Fertility, Friendship, Happiness & Joy, Health, Love & Relationships, Luck Magic, Protection, Transformative Magic and WishCraft.
This book will change your life. Your life will be abundant in all meanings of the word.
Mental Health Wisdom
This book contains everything that you need to know about mental health and mental illness.
Mental Health Wisdom is divided into three sections.
Understanding is section one and is all about the facts of mental health.
In section two, Empathy Through Lived Experience, the author shares his personal experience of mental illness.
Life Hacks is section three. It’s all about self-care and quick and easy ways to improve your mental health, prevent mental illness or relapse of mental illness.
Mental Health Wisdom
Mental Health Wisdom contains everything that you need to know about mental health and mental illness.
Mental Health Wisdom is divided into three sections.
Understanding is section one and is all about the facts of mental health.
In section two, Empathy Through Lived Experience, the author shares his personal experience of mental illness.
Life Hacks is section three. It’s all about self-care and quick and easy ways to improve your mental health, prevent mental illness or relapse of mental illness.
If you find my blog educational or entertaining, please consider making a purchase or donation on Ko-Fi.
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