One Foot In, One Foot Out: Finding Acceptance In The Double Life of A Closet Gay Christian

‘Coming Out’ is not a celebration for some of us in the LGBTQIA+ Community

In the LGBTQIA+ community, there are two prominent groups that can be distinguished: those who are more open about their sexuality and those who prefer to keep it more discreet. However, I personally don’t identify with either of these groups, as a Gay Christian – I am somewhere in the middle.

I frequently witness my gay friends joyously celebrating someone’s decision to come out of the closet, and it is undoubtedly a milestone worth commemorating. Acknowledging one’s own uniqueness while confronting prevailing stereotypes and discrimination is an arduous journey. Consequently, coming out is viewed as an act of bravery and a valuable contribution to the community. Each additional individual who embraces their true self helps redefine what it means to be gay, fostering a sense of normalcy. Occasionally, my older gay friend will jestingly inquire, “Hey cutie, when will it be your turn?”

I agree that coming out can be a milestone for some, but do you really think this is the best decision for every gay boy?

Gay Christian boy: I love church, my faith, and being queer equally

Navigating the intersection of my Christian upbringing and my personal journey of self-discovery has been a delicate balance throughout my life. While my church is known for its love and compassion, it unfortunately falls short in terms of support for the LGBTQIA+ community. As a result, I have learned to choose my battles wisely. Despite being a devoted Christian, I have occasionally attempted to engage in open discussions about homosexuality, only to be met with dismissive responses. Deep down, my aspiration is to create a positive impact within my church community and the larger Christian sphere. However, I often find myself grappling with a sense of helplessness in this pursuit.

I Am A Gay Muslim: Every Ramadan I Celebrate My Faith Despite Being Judged By Most Of My Community.

I am a Gay Muslim Malay who grew up in a pro-Islamic family. Someone first called me a “chao ahgua” (a local slang equivalent to f*g) in high school when I was in a floorball game with them. Back then, you wouldn’t understand what these things were. I didn’t know what being queer was like,…

While it may seem selfish, I am unwilling to relinquish several important aspects of my life, such as my friendships with my straight friends, my place within my church community, and the desire for an environment free from discrimination, at least for the time being. Coming out is an incredibly challenging process, and currently, I find myself in a comfortable space. I wholeheartedly embrace my sexuality, but I choose to disclose it only to a select group of individuals who are more accepting. This decision is driven by a desire to avoid risking the potential loss of these significant connections and experiences in my life.

Life as a Gay actor: I don’t want to jeopardize any career opportunities because of my sexuality

Being part of the entertainment industry, the challenges of navigating my identity are even more daunting. While there exists a substantial portion of the industry that embraces gay actors, not everyone is accepting. If I were to openly embrace my sexual orientation, it could potentially jeopardise numerous opportunities. As a newcomer to this industry, I recognize that now is not the time to take unnecessary risks that could impact my future prospects.

Nevertheless, I often find myself envisioning a future where I can proudly come out as a gay representative within the entertainment industry. I aspire to reach a level of fame and success where the likelihood of being accepted as a gay actor is higher. By strategically timing my decision, I hope to leverage my influence to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusivity in the industry.

Being Gay to me, is a secret language

I have a deep affection for the gay community, and if you frequent gay bars, chances are you would recognize me. I have had the privilege of working in numerous gay bars across Singapore, and it feels like we share an unspoken bond. These individuals have become like “mothers” or “brothers”, and supportive auntie figures to me. They shower me with gifts, take me out for drinks, and wholeheartedly support my life choices.

Being gay is akin to being part of an additional community that you can reach out to for understanding and connection. It’s almost like a secret language, where if you’re in the know, you understand the unique dynamics and camaraderie.

While in gay bars, you might see me getting affectionate with guys when I’m in high spirits, but outside of that environment, I am just an ordinary “straight” boy, no different from anyone else. I am just one foot out of the closet.

What are your thoughts of coming out? Is there anything you fear losing when coming out? What is holding you back?