Coming out to conservative friends

[Erikka]

Yesterday I received a phone call that blew me away. It was from my most  conservative, right-wing friend that I have known since high school. Our friendship has weathered fifty years of my far left liberalism and his far right conservatism  because we don’t talk politics or religion. I had been avoiding him for the last three years as I was transitioning. I didn’t know how to broach the subject and I could only guess what his reaction would be. Two weeks before the “shelter in place “ took effect her in California I was coming home from my ex’s and out of the blue I decided to see him. I didn’t warn him other than to say I might not look like I used to look. He greeted me at the door, with a look that I still can’t interpret, and asked me to come in. We talked about my transition at length and then moved on to talk of family, pets and reminisced about high school friends, those still alive and sadly those who had passed on. As I was leaving I suggested lunch sometime in the future but my friend was noncommittal. Yesterday he called to ask me how I was doing in isolation. During the conversation he acknowledged transitioning was a rough road, but offered no condemnation, as we ended the conversation he said keep in touch and we will do lunch when this health crisis is over.

You never know how people will react to your coming out. Some you believe will reject you, don’t, and some you believe will be accepting of you, won’t. People are surprising. 

[Susan R]

5 hours ago, Erikka said:

You never know how people will react to your coming out. Some you believe will reject you, don’t, and some you believe will be accepting of you, won’t. People are surprising. 

This is so true. I was wrong on at least 80% of the people I told.  Another thing though to keep in mind.  Their initial reactions almost always changed over time to some degree...some took a step back, others embraced the new me. Like I’ve said before...it’s a crapshoot!

 

Susan R?

[Carolyn Marie]

There are open minded conservatives and, sadly, closed minded liberals.  I've known and been friends with both kinds.  It has been my experience that somewhere in the middle is usually the better place to be, especially on topics like economics.  When I transitioned I had support from even the most conservative colleagues, friends and relatives, but also from liberals.  One never knows who will be an ally, but true friends usually will be.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Jani]

2 hours ago, Suzanne1 said:

Prejudice & intolerance, I have learned, come on both sides of the political divide. 

True unfortunately.