September 2, 1999
"Sorta - I'm not hiding, nor do I avoid stating, my preference, but I have not volunteered the information to most family and some friends. I pick my fights, and I would rather not burn more bridges than must be burnt when I'm being true to myself."
December 27, 1999
"After the religious experiences growing up, I found that just being me had more of an impact than if I constantly "witnessed" for my faith. So if a question was asked, or the conversation led to it I would answer without second thought because it was part of me. However, I would never assume that it was of relevance to someone else's life until it came up naturally.
I feel the same about my sexuality, my evolving faith, my knowledge, my experiences still. And I've found that it has made me some of the best friends, because I haven't alienated people. At the same time, I'm not sharing things personal to me to those who don't give a damn.
I have always felt that being "out" was more of a Pride parade type thing, rather than simply being myself, so I haven't forced it. Those who matter know, those who don't I haven't wasted the breath."
December 31, 1999
"I'm not a flaming dyke, so *most* people don't have a clue unless I tell them. Those that I work closely with know, because conversations have led there and I will never HIDE who I am. I also have pics on my desk that those who know just enjoy, that other co-workers have made comments about (such as "if I had that pic on MY desk, I'd get sued for sexual-harassment").
I guess I look at it this way, I am very open about who I am to those who care (if you don't care I don't care, so I'm not going to share anything special with you). I don't think in terms of "out" or "closeted" because we all have issues we are extremely expressive of and issues we feel are too personal to wave around, and sexuality isn't the only one."