Tonight is my work Christmas Party. Normally these things are generally no big deal for me, but this year is much different. Instead of bringing my sister or a girl friend, I am bringing my boyfriend, and introducing him to everyone as so. Well sort of, I have decided that I will introduce him as my partner, even though I despise the word. I think it sounds more "serious". To my knowledge, only one person knows at my work that I am gay. He probably sent an email to everyone else in my office telling them i was a big butt diver, but no one else has ever said anything, so I dont know.
Even though I am a little nervous doing this, I know that i refuse to make up lies about my weekend plans and who I hang out with or whom I am dating. It isnt a fun place to be, and i am lucky enough to be able to come out at work because if I were fired, I could sue my company for discrimination. Many others are not so fortunate. Such as my boyfriend or um, excuse me, my partner. I am hoping everything goes well tonight, and hopefully it wont be incredibly awkward.
It will be sort of nice though to have it out in the open. It no longer has to be a secret. And anytime you get something off of your chest, you feel so much more free and a weight gets lifted off your shoulders.
8 comments:
I wish you the best of luck! You'll have to let us know how it turns out! :)
Actually Gumby Guy, in the city of Pittsburgh, gays cannot be discriminated against. And my company also has a no discrimination policy. You should do your research before commenting next time. Thanks!
Good luck! You'll do fine and be so glad you did it.
As I see! Go Pittsburgh! :)
Though I wonder how that plays out in relation to state and federal law? Under which one does a company operate? If they are beyond Pittsburgh, can they get out of it?
Any lawyers out there?
I can tell you from my own experience that your fears are greater in your head than reality. Introducing your parter to your work community will only increase the respect they show you (at least the educated people). And for the haters, there was nothing you could do anyway to change who they are--so BRAVO for choosing to be yourself!
It's a HUGE Step forward that seems small, but it will change the way people treat you--for the better. You'll see, people will start asking how you and your boo are more often, etc...
Good luck and have fun!!!!! Wishing you and yours POSITIVE ENERGY!
BTW, I did a shout out about your Milk write-up on my blog...
Well done! I've always been nervous about doing that for the first time, but I haven't been in that situation yet, so I'm still waiting.
Oh, and I loath the word "partner". Bleck.
Your courage is to be applauded. Let us know how it turns out.
You are absolutely right. It's definitely not a good place to be. I've been there.
I did just come out to two girls from work on Friday though and they actually think I should come out to everyone but I'm hesitant to take that step just yet.
At the same time, if they do go and blab to everyone I'll be fine too. I don't think it'll be a HUGE deal really.
I never thought I'd ever say those words. LOL. SO yeah let us know how it went.
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