In a world that strongly privileges monogamy, choosing to live as openly polyamorous requires the courage to face constant curiosity and criticism from friends, family, and strangers alike. As we conduct our lives, we know we are not living openly unless we have taken the harrowing step of coming out. This site collects stories of people who have taken that step. These are stories of people who have found amazing support where they least expected it, and of people who have been told never again to enter the house of a loved one; of people who have found new community and of people who were told to find new friends.
Do you have a story? Please share!
Why I’m Out of the Poly Closet
By Angi Becker Stevens As is probably the case for a lot of people, I don’t think of my coming out as a single event. To be honest, staying in the closet was something that I never even really considered as an option. When my husband and I opened our marriage and I embarked on [...]
Read MoreHow and Why I Decided to Come Out as Pansexual, Polyamorous, and Kinky on my Law School Applications
By Martin Quinones This article, The Pansexual, Polyamorous, BDSM Law School Application, was originally posted here. A much more personal story given as a presentation at KinkForAll Providence follows. I was recently presented with the chance to come out in a way that was risky, honest, and productive. On law school applications, every school asks [...]
Read MoreTo Whom?
By Joreth Originally posted at theinnbetween.net The term coming out originated with the GLBT community (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) and originally referred to the act of disclosing one’s homosexuality. Since polyamorous people and others of alternative lifestyles have experienced similar persecution and prejudices – with much of the same invisibility – as the GLBT community, [...]
Read MoreSpilling Dye
By Celeste Galloway Originally posted in April 2009 at undressceleste.com I had a heart-wrenching night on Saturday—way too many ups and downs. So many that I almost gave up on something truly wonderful in my life. After it all happened I scoured the internet for articles about being polyamorous and dealing with adult family and [...]
Read MoreThe Eternal Closet
By Andrea Zanin I have a problem with the idea of coming out of the closet. No, it’s not that I want to stay in the closet; I just object to the idea that there is a closet. I certainly didn’t choose to be in one, but dammit, every time I’m not doing something or [...]
Read MoreComing Out in the Kitchenware Aisle
By Bitsy It has often been said that coming out is not a one-time event but a constant process. This is true no matter how “out” you are. Even if you’ve brought your partners to your co-workers’ parties or been interviewed by the press, there are still moments every day where you can, for that [...]
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