Out @ College - Recapped

Last weekend, I drove out to my alma mater for a bit of a reunion with some old friends. We caught up, played a few games, tossed around a football, and then went to a football game ourselves. The night I drove out up to visit, I met with my old roommate and his wife, a good friend. I intended to come out to them over dinner, but couldn't find the right segue in the conversation. Later at their house, I stayed up chatting with my old roommate, tinkering with his new receiver (Denon -- it's nice).

Around midnight we started to call it a night... and just before he headed off to bed, I told him. We chatted for 30 minutes, and I dumped the last year or so of my life onto him. Coming out to my friends in Vegas last year, my big huge coming out announcement at a party a few weeks later, being out at work, and dating S.

My roommate was surprised, but said "you're still you." And we moved on. :-) The next day, we drove out to campus, caught up with our other friends and headed to a football game.

Warmups at the game

The game was closer than it should've been, but we had a good time. I was amused, though, because the group of guys in front of us were probably gay -- I'm pretty sure there were at least two couples out them judging by the little touches, small comments, and so on. I wish I'd come out in college. What are the odds in a stadium of 80,000+ people, and 8,000+ students?

After the game we headed back to a friend's apartment, ordered some pizza... and just hung out telling stories. Once again the night wound down... and once again I failed to man up and come out. When a buddy started to gather his things and head out the door, I interrupted him, grabbed my beer, stood up, and once again made the "you're all my friends, I wish I'd told you earlier; I'm gay" announcement.

I had everyone's attention. I did tell a couple of jokes, and calling out my friend who absolutely did NOT want to visit a gay bar when I tried to come out to him. His answer: "I was kind of wondering but..." Heh. Some people just aren't quick in social situations. The guy half-way out the door stood still and thought for a moment, and shook my hand, said "Congratulations, and See ya!" We all laughed, and moved on, though I do get the feeling that everyone was walking on eggshells for the rest of the evening.

My former roommate's wife missed the game, so the next day as we were having lunch before heading home, I told her she missed my big coming out announcement. I was nervous again, for some reason. I was almost moved to tears just talking with her honestly. I love my friends. They're visiting sometime in March, once they get their new house organized, and figure out where to board their pets. :-)

Overall, the trip went well. My friends are reaching out to me on facebook a bit more now -- commenting on random posts, pictures, and so on. I'm not quite sure what to make of it. I'm pretty sure that's a positive thing.