#LGBTQ #ComingOut #HighFive #Acceptance #Support #LGBTQCommunity #EmotionalResponse
As a member of the LGBTQ community, coming out to someone can be a nerve-wracking and vulnerable experience. The response we receive when we share our truth with others can have a significant impact on how we feel about ourselves and our identity. So, how would you feel if you came out to someone and they responded by offering you a high five?
🌈Emotional Response:
Coming out is a deeply personal experience, and the reactions we receive from others can vary widely. Some LGBTQ folks may feel validated and supported by a high five, seeing it as a gesture of acceptance and celebration. Others may feel dismissed or trivialized, believing that their coming out deserves a more serious or thoughtful response.
👫Cisgender and Straight Dynamics:
Would you feel differently if the person offering the high five was cisgender and/or straight? This question introduces an important layer to consider when discussing the impact of the response. The intentions behind the high five may be well-meaning, but the perception of the gesture could be influenced by the individual’s identity and relationship to the LGBTQ community.
🌟Positive Interpretation:
For some LGBTQ individuals, a high five could be seen as a positive and affirming response to their coming out. It can be a simple yet powerful way to show support and acceptance, acknowledging the courage it takes to be authentic and vulnerable. The physical connection of a high five can symbolize unity, solidarity, and celebration of diversity.
🔒Misinterpretation of Intentions:
On the other hand, there is a risk of the high five being misinterpreted as dismissive or insensitive, especially if the person offering it lacks a deeper understanding of the struggles and challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals. It’s important to consider the context, tone, and relationship dynamics when interpreting the meaning behind the gesture.
💬Navigating Responses:
When coming out, it’s essential to communicate your needs and expectations to the people you’re confiding in. If you have a preference for how you’d like to be supported or acknowledged, don’t hesitate to express it openly and honestly. Everyone’s coming out journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all response.
🌈Creating Safe Spaces:
Building a supportive and inclusive environment for LGBTQ individuals requires ongoing education, empathy, and open communication. By fostering a culture of respect, validation, and acceptance, we can empower LGBTQ folks to embrace their identities with confidence and pride. High fives, hugs, words of encouragement – every gesture of support matters.
In conclusion, the impact of a high five in response to coming out as LGBTQ can vary depending on the individual, context, and relationship dynamics involved. While some may perceive it as a positive and affirming gesture, others may feel invalidated or misunderstood. Ultimately, what matters most is that LGBTQ individuals feel accepted, respected, and supported in their journey to self-authenticity. Let’s continue to create safe and inclusive spaces where everyone can be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.
A lot better than being told you are going to the 9th circle of hell. 🔥🔥😈🔥🔥
It would have certainly been better than being told that my best friends couldn’t be my friends anymore.
I’d be careful asking the internet about someone’s intentions because we don’t know the person, you do. But I’m assuming no because if someone wasn’t ok with something they wouldn’t give a high five
A friend of ours came out and we said we already knew but didn’t say anything to him.
I think that’d be sweet, actually! Coming out is usually nerve wracking and that would be a nice way to convey acceptance and also not make a big deal of it.
Me personally? I never turn down a chance to high five. Plus it’s an awkward thing to come out to someone, so the sort-of awkwardness of a high five could be the perfect “icebreaker” to let me know all was cool.
I could see some people finding it condescending or inappropriate, but I’m sure if you’re already friends you’ll probably be fine!
It’s a bit patronising, but for sure better than some other alternatives.
That would be lovely! 😊
Fuck yeah!
That’s hilarious i would probably lose it, but that’s probably not the best idea tbh
I would like that, I’d think it was funny.
I actually did this on instinct. The lady that used to do my nails was married with a small kid. Then she was separated. Then divorced. Then dated a guy for a short time. Next time I saw her she showed me a pic of her new partner. I was surprised it was a woman! I said ‘nice’ and gave her a high five. It just felt like a lot of things made sense now. I was really happy she figured it out after so long not knowing and being unhappy. She told me she honestly didn’t know she was gay until after her divorce!
I’d take it as a positive. I’ve had many reactions when coming out, from an “I don’t care” shrug, to being physically pushed away and being called a fa**ot. A high 5 would be nice.
I’ll take a high five over being disowned and isolated anyday
That would be far better than…
“I always knew…”
“No way you don’t look gay”
“Get out of my house”
“I have a friend I want you to meet”
“Great I always wanted a gay bff”
“Great I need a hair cut/new dress/fashion advice”
“Are you the woman or the man of the relationship”
“You’re going to hell”
Probably relieved. My expectation is raised voices and a ton of accusations/questions I probably won’t be able to answer. A high five would be a relief.
A little confused but otherwise happy
It’s not like they’re telling me that we’re ‘special’ and I should be lucky people are ‘bending over backwards to play along with your mental illness’
Would you believe me if I told you that dude was the nicest coworker until he pressured me to come out because he didn’t understand why I found his other hateful comments about the LGBT to be upsetting, called him out and so I needed justification for my stance?
That would be sweet! I haven’t come out to anyone in a while because I’m butch so my whole appearance and vibe really does the coming out for me but I would be so tickled if someone high fived me. Really, any sincere gesture of support or enthusiasm is welcome as far as I’m concerned.
Along with a “fuck yeah” and I think you got a good response!
I’d probably just be a little confused but return the high five. I’d understand that it’s a positive in an awkward way though.
Personally I prefer slightly more engaged responses because being trans is complicated and has implications on my life, but I think it is different for coming out as gay. I prefer casual responses when telling someone I’m gay so yeah I’d think a high five was appropriate, if not a little odd.
Yeah that’s fine, hit them with a “lmaoo gayy” or a “knew it” as well… and continue life as normal
The ideal response is like this:
“yo I’m gay”
“ok”
I mean, a bit weird, but not in a negative sense.
I’d be overjoyed that they atleast didn’t tell me to end my life like my family did.
This feels highly specific, but probably confused but happy? Idk, depends on the vibes, but there’s no way to offer a high-five negatively
In all honesty, I wouldn’t know how to respond. It would really depend on the context of the situation. Like why did I tell them? It would have to be pretty important or serious for me to just go and out myself. So, being offered a high-five in that situation would worry me some that the person is freaking out and not knowing how to respond. Maybe, that might seem weird to worry about that, but in my situation I can never be sure if the situation is about to really turn sour (or even dangerous) after they finish processing everything. It’s a matter of safety basically.
I would be happy tbh. I would like to receive some reassurance, since coming out is a difficult thing, but there is a high chance the person just wouldn’t know how to react positively and properly, so
“Having a gay son is like finding a French fry in your onion rings.” – Mark Normand
The fact that this is someone biggest concern shows me we’ve come on a long way :p
I’d think it was goofy and I’d probably realize they hadn’t had a conversation with an openly gay person before but I wouldn’t say that I’d high 5 back with maybe a thumbs up or something. I wouldn’t “come out” to someone but I might introduce them to the SO so he’d handle it better.
Also, why the NSFW tag? Just curious.
Guess I’m high fiving someone.
‘Cool!’ –> _high five_ –> _move on_ would just about be the most optimal reaction I’d want to get from coming out.