Staying in the broom-closet?

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   Mom Katposted 11 years ago

   How many people in your life know that you are Wiccan?
   Do you tend to shy away from religious discussions or debates in order to keep your beliefs hidden?
   How does this work in your family life - both extended & immediate; your work life, and/or with your friendships?
   
   Do you fear that you will be verbally attacked or shunned if you make your beliefs known to the general public where you live? 
   Do you have a community or coven whom you gather with on a regular basis?
   
   Do you consider yourself "out" or "in" the broom-closet?

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   1. 77

      Mom Katposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'll go first:
      I've been studying Wicca for nearly 17 years now... I neither flaunt nor hide the fact that I consider myself a witch.
      I am discrete about my religious views when in a work setting or by those who seem narrow minded.  There's no point in causing a big fuss over things.
      My family knows... not many of them understand what it means, but they are aware that this is my choice & it isn't some "fad".
      
      Specifically here, on HP, I don't outwardly write hubs on my beliefs, but I do read others & comment
      I am afraid that my "target audience" will be put off by my beliefs and then not want to read the information I'm providing on the other topics.  So, I just keep it on the DL so to speak.

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   2. 52

      libraberryposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I would say that im mostly out. Everyone in my house hold and my immediant friends know. There is sone extended family thar knows and does approve sone that dont and some that dont know.
         I find that since people hear what they want to hear its easy to answer peoples questions without "outing" myself.

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      OllieTrolleyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      1.) Four people. I don't tell many people, because I'm scared that I'll be shunned. One girl, who I thought I could tell, ended up religion bashing me. I'm not friends with her anymore.
      2.) in real life, I ask that people not talk to me about religion, I shy away from religion polls in my school and discussion about the topic in general. The only exception to this, is if I have a very strong belief people are bashing. Or if someone is getting bullied because of their religion, then I'll step in.
      3.) My friends totally support whatever I do. In my family, only my father knows, but he's really disappointed in me.
      4.) yes, because I have been verbally attacked.
      5.) no, I just have one friend who's also a Wiccan.
      6.) I'd definitely consider myself in.

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2. 72

   austinhealyposted 11 years ago

   I often (but not always) shy away from discussions and debates to keep my LACK of beliefs unknown. Because if I mention it, and it never fails, someone, somewhere is going to try to sell me a slice of Jesus or some other prophet. I have been religious before and, by choice, I no longer am
   So, I do welcome your post, which I find extremely courageous. And guess what, it doesn't bother me a bit that you are what you are, as long as you don't hurt anybody. I have friends of multiple faiths, and I do respect their beliefs. All I ask in return is for people to understand, and that seems so hard to do, my personal choice and accept it. Just like I do yours.

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   1. 77

      Mom Katposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      thanks austinhealy.  you know, I just finished a "coming out" hub just before I saw you posted this... lol
      I have tons of friends and family who are of different religious beliefs than myself.  I don't hold it against them as long as they don't try to shove it down my throat.
      I have my thing, they have theirs; we can all still be good people.
      I'm with you 100% about the respect thing.

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   calculus-geometryposted 11 years ago

   I'm not a Wiccan and don't know any, but "coming out of the broom closet" is clever.  Did you coin that?

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      Mom Katposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      goodness no, that's been around for ages

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         calculus-geometryposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Well, you can see how much I know about Wicca, lol.

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      Valerie Fposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm not a Wiccan. What I am is a big fan of free and open religious expression. I feel that nobody should have to keep their faith on the DL to accommodate others who might be uncomfortable with it. And yes, one of my best friends is a wonderfully, openly witchy woman and a great deal of fun to talk with about all things faith-related. She also has a delightfully warped sense of humor that she uses to good affect against easily shocked missionaries.

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      1. 77

         Mom Katposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         That's awesome Valerie!
         My best friends are pretty strong Christian women.  I support their choice & even encourage them to seek out their faith when they are going through difficult times.
         They are great ladies & we have so much fun together.

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4. 77

   Mom Katposted 11 years ago

   A couple of years ago my older & very religious sister asked me "So are you still a Wiccan?"
   To which I laughed and responded, "Well, yeah... Are you still a Christian?"
   
   I mean, what kind of question is that?

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