The Net Monkey

Title: Straight ppl r cool

Uploaded By: Constant Reader

It was ten years ago today that I came out of the closet to my parents. It happened on Thursday, September 27, 1995, when I was just 18 years old and attending my first semester at Ball State University.

I spent several hours the day prior writing out a long letter to my parents, explaining that I was definitely gay, and then debunking some of the myths and stereotypes surrounding gay people. I explained that I didn’t desire to wear women’s clothing, for example.

In May 1995, I started attending the Indiana Youth Group, which is an organization for gay kids under 21. Prior to the meeting that night, on Thursday, I went with my mother to the grocery store. After we got home — when it was time for me to split — I put the letter to Mom and Dad under some grocery bags on the kitchen table. So, before Mom had a chance to read the letter, I was already in my car heading to the IYG meeting.

Now, several days prior to writing the letter to my parents, I wrote something very similar to my sister Lisa, via email. She was completely surprised, thinking that I was just a late bloomer, but she became immediately supportive when she found out.

So, I went to the IYG meeting and then went back to Muncie. I was awakened the next morning by a phone call from my mother, with her saying, “Matt, we already know this!” Yes, technically, they did already know.

Since that time, I’ve been open with my family about my homosexuality. It’s never been an issue. Now they just wish for me to find a partner and be happy.