In the paper

[MeTony]

What are the pros and cons for coming out to the world in a magazine? It is for members only but there are many members around Sweden.

I can't live stealth after transition. Too many people will know. I've been working in the same company for 20 years. Many many people have passed through the company. I still have contact with many of them on facebook. I have about 300 face book friends. And I know 99% of them in person.

I am the head chairman in an organization with about 3500 members. The mother organization has about 20000 members around Sweden.

It would be nice to be completely open. Maybe it will help others to come out of the closet. Maybe it will back fire and become a catastrophy.

What do you think? What are your experiences?


Tony

[Jessica]

Hi Tony! I can't speak from experience in the business, magazine or Facebook sense.  The only achievement I've made in being open as a woman in public was a day in the city with other girlfriends.  My mantra of "own who you are" carried me easily to having a wonderful carefree day.  The world didn't crumble down around me. 
If you are just you and you own who you are.  The world can't hurt you.  You have taken their weapons away. 
It appears you have been successful in your life and career and there's no reason you shouldn't continue. 

Smiles, Jess

[sarah1972]

One of the first things I did after coming out at work was to change my LinkedIn profile as well. For now I do keep my preferred name and my old name in there until my legal name change is completed.

I do work in a limited industry where everyone knows everyone and as far as I have heard the news has travelled very quickly since I am at least somewhat known....

For using the magazine: You may want to contact the editors of the magazine. If they are on board with the idea, I think it is a great way showing who you are and to show the world your confidence :-)

[big kim]

Newspapers aren't for telling the truth, they're for selling papers. I was outed for £20 to my local paper in 1994. A reporter asked for an interview, I declined. She said they'd take photos without my permission & make up a sensationalist story about me, it would be better if she had a word. I gave her 2 words, the 1st started wit F, the last ended with F. I never heard anymore from them

[MeTony]

Newspapers aren't for telling the truth, they're for selling papers. I was outed for £20 to my local paper in 1994. A reporter asked for an interview, I declined. She said they'd take photos without my permission & make up a sensationalist story about me, it would be better if she had a word. I gave her 2 words, the 1st started wit F, the last ended with F. I never heard anymore from them

This is not a news paper. This is a member's magazine for the organization. They have high quality reports and articles. This magazine can't be bought in a store. It is sent home to members. But can be seen at other places too, like in waiting rooms in health care.

[Cindy]

Hi Tony,

When I went out I went out.

I was in magazines, TV and newspapers and although I did not encourage it I did not hide in any way. I'm proud of being me and my fight to be me. I keep thinking of me as a teen and if my story could help one person then it was worth it.

I was warned about the hate mail and that rubbish. It didn't affect me in the least. What I was not prepared for was the support and lovely comments from total strangers.

The pros for me. If one kid doesn't suicide or self harm because of me coming out in public, I'll wear anything.

The cons. No stealth, but there was never ever going to be any for me.

The results: absolutely nothing bad. I lost a few 'friends' that I would have lost anyway and I gained/earned self respect and met some great people. I also got a good discount on a MacPro but that is a story for another time.

Go for it and be proud of being you. One day you will be dead and no one cares so live gloriously!!

[AnonyMs]

I live in fear of being outed. The idea of being totally out when the time comes has huge appeal. Like ripping a adhesive bandage off a wound all in one go. No more fear.

[MeTony]

Hi Tony,

When I went out I went out.

I was in magazines, TV and newspapers and although I did not encourage it I did not hide in any way. I'm proud of being me and my fight to be me. I keep thinking of me as a teen and if my story could help one person then it was worth it.

I was warned about the hate mail and that rubbish. It didn't affect me in the least. What I was not prepared for was the support and lovely comments from total strangers.

The pros for me. If one kid doesn't suicide or self harm because of me coming out in public, I'll wear anything.

The cons. No stealth, but there was never ever going to be any for me.

The results: absolutely nothing bad. I lost a few 'friends' that I would have lost anyway and I gained/earned self respect and met some great people. I also got a good discount on a MacPro but that is a story for another time.

Go for it and be proud of being you. One day you will be dead and no one cares so live gloriously!!

Thank you Cindy.

I was thinking something like that.


Tony