Thursday, May 5, 2011

Out of the Broom Closet

Yes, yet another post about this.  May 2 was Pagan Coming Out Day.  Did any of you participate?  How did it go?  If you didn't (no judging!) why didn't you feel you were ready?

I truly do understand that not everyone thinks they can be out of the broom closet.  It's a hard decision to make; knowing that you may lose some friends and family members along the way.  In many areas of the world, we who are "out" are still ostracized.  There are certain areas of the world where it can be down-right life-threatening to come out of the broom closet. 

One of the largest issues with Pagans and Wiccans being in the closet is the perpetuation of stereotypes.  That's not to say I think you should come out regardless; If you think your life would be in danger by all means protect your life first.  For those of us, though, who would simply be moderately uncomfortable having to explain to a few people what we believe, that step should be taken.

When people hear about something they know nothing about, one thing happens.  They look for a way to categorize this new information.  In our case, witches, the first thing someone normally thinks of is the green, warty, "traditional" Halloween Witch.  Since obviously we don't have green skin or warts on our nose (at least most of us!) that categorization is out. So they move on to the next one, which, depending on their age and media savvy, is either Harry Potter or the 3 Witches of Macbeth.  And that, my friends, can go either way depending on the view of the person you've told.  Even if you gently explain to them over and over that we don't worship the devil, that we believe in the sacred part of Nature, the duality of deity, etc., some people still will think you are evil.  Some people, on the other hand, will say, "Really?  Like in Harry Potter?!" and look at you with frightening degrees of both reverence and stalker-ness in their eyes. 

So let them.  You can't control their reaction.  You can only control yours.  Those reactions aren't going to change until we educate people on what we truly believe.  Does that mean going door to door with pamphlets?  No.  It just means telling those you care about the truth.  Does that make it any easier?

Heck no, it doesn't.  There will always be trepidation and fear.  The difference is being able to look beyond that fear.

I was talking on Facebook Chat yesterday with a friend from my hometown.  I've been friends with her since I was about 6 years old.  I never worried about talking to her, because I thought she knew about me being a Witch.  After all, she was with me through the whole thing.  I remember talking about it to her.  Apparently, she either didn't remember or she thought it was just talk. 

So talking about it with her yesterday, she asked questions and I explained.  We both grew up in the same place, the church on every corner place.  I knew that she wasn't the type to call me the devil and run away, but still my hands were shaking as I was typing.  You never know how someone will react until they do so.  Of course, my initial thought was correct, and she is completely fine with it.  That doesn't stop us from being nervous about how people will react.  We can control, however, how we react to that nervousness and fear.  We can let it stop us from telling people, letting them know what we believe, educating them so they aren't afraid of it.  Or we can simply talk with them, and be candid.  You don't fear what you understand.

What kind of reactions have you had to your faith?  If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?

Goddess Bless,

Stacy

8 comments:

  1. My favorite reaction - from a customer of mine (I work in a pharmacy and was helping this woman find medicine for her sick child).

    Her: *stares at my Thor's hammer necklace* What's that? I looks like a lighthouse!
    Me: Umm... *blink, blink* ... it's not. It's Thor's hammer.
    Her: What does that *mean* to you?
    Me: Well, I see it as a symbol of strength. It keeps me strong when I'm feeling down.
    Her: Well.... I use to be into all that witchcraft, Gods and Goddesses hooplah, but I found Jesus..
    Me: *groan*
    Her: ... And he saved my life! Girl, you need Jesus, he'll do you wonders. He'll save you... blah, blah blah.

    I handed her the medication and walked away.

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  2. *giggle-snort*. That's priceless. Freckles, I think your reaction was the perfect one!! Especially to someone who had "re-found" Jesus, haha!

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  3. Liza, it's terrible what you have had to go through. Thank you so much for sharing your story, it's incredibly important for all pagans, especially those who are thinking of coming out, to be aware of the possible consequences. You are obviously an incredibly strong woman, and you have such an amazing outlook on life regardless! I think we could all learn a lesson from you.

    Thank you so much!

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  4. I wanted badly to come out to my mother, but I knew doing so would mean real trouble for me, because she is a baptist preacher's daughterand has been misinformed her whole life; finding Wicca and Witchcraft in the highest contempt. So I instead made her a video and put it on YouTube, and when I turn eighteen in two years and have moved out, I'm going to send her the URL. Hopefully by then I'll have broke down a few walls. :)

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  5. That's a great way to do it, I never would have thought of that! I hope you have luck with it, I think you will! Be strong in your faith, no matter what else! ♥

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  6. Hi Stacy,
    I am still living through it now. I just wanted to say to pagans that sometimes people are just that way. If it isnt your pentagram its your hair! Actually it's not so bad because you find the courage to find truths and finding out who people really are and how they live is one of them. You'll also find wonderful supportive people out there who will be there and so one door closes and another opens.
    Thank you for your kindness:D Blessed Be )O(
    Liza

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  7. I'm currently out to... five people, I think (not including my witchy message boards/blog)? No, four. Two online friends, whom I know very well, my best friend, and my fiancee.

    My other two best friends don't know. One just refound Jesus a while back and the other is rather baptist. I don't think either would have a huge problem with it, but it's just a matter of getting up the courage to tell them.

    I'm not ashamed of who I am. I wear a pentacle ring and will explain it to any who ask of me. No one has asked yet. I'm a generally quiet person about my personal life, anyways.

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  8. Thanks, Liza! It is so true, there is just no pleasing some people no matter who you are or what you do, and at the same time some will open their arms no matter what!

    Hailey, That's great! I hope that once your other two best friends find out they will be accepting of you. ♥

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