Only superficially because I believe the root of the negativity begins in our own community. RD's well stated points notwithstanding, I think there are many things a CD can do to get the wheels of change rolling without actually coming out to the public. Coming out to select friends is a good start. Being an openly supportive friend to a TG person who HAS come out. Defending TG or gay people when your neanderthal friends make rude comments. Even these things though are anathema to those that have yet to accept who they are. Listen the negativity starts in your own heart. What you see in the rest of the world is largely based on your own perspective. If you are ashamed, then people will be ashamed of you. A timid and fearful person is almost inviting aggression from the ignorant among us. It is entirely possible to be proud of who you are without announcing that to the world. Imagine if you won the lottery but you were unable to say anything for a year. You would be happy, excited, content, and looking forward to your future and you wouldn't have to say a thing for people to notice the difference in your attitude. This is what it's like when you have accepted yourself for who you are. For me, it's like winning the lotto every time I don't have to pretend I like girls. I'm thrilled every time I can openly flirt with a cute bartender, or when a hot guy walks by and I watch him the whole way right in front of the straight friends that I was trying to fool just a few months ago. There is no amount of money that would be worth not being proud of who I am.Originally Posted by Jeninus
The negativity you find is the same that you were seeking.
