Hello, I registered today so I could get some advice. I am a lesbian. I consider myself to be "out & proud". I'm involved in numerous LGBT organizations. I've walked in the pride parade countless times and teach LGBT inclusiveness classes at my work. Here's the problem I'm facing... My high school reunion is coming up this weekend and my girlfriend wants to come with me. For the first time in a long time, I find myself angst out about this. The high school I went to is a private catholic school. The majority of my classmates know I'm gay via outlets like facebook, etc... but I have also not seen my classmates in almost two decades. I'm already nervous about attending and having her with me makes me more freaked out...I feel like I'm going to be dealing with enough anxiety just attending the reunion, let alone having to then explain to the nuns who the woman is with me. This is also hard for me because I'm normally such an "out" person....why do I care what people and nuns I haven't seen in 20 years think....but I do. I guess my question is how do I tell my girlfriend without hurting her feelings...or how do I conquer this fear I have and we both go and have a nice time? Thanks, Ashamed at Myself For Feeling Like This
Trust me it is normal, that people have these anxiety about reunions, my mother didn't even show up to hers. I think you should go alone, and reminisce about the old days with you old friends, this reunion is about you, I am pretty sure your girlfriend will understand that your nervous about going there and that you don't want the awkwardness.
If you don't take her with you she will be hurt. Ni way around that. What is more important, what other people think or how your partner feels?
As a completely heterosexual male, I say bring your girlfriend. You are who you are. If she is part of your life, then act like it. You mentioned you were "Out and Proud" then be out and proud.
if having her there really makes you uncomfortable, she should understand that and have no problem letting you go alone. that said, it really shouldn't be an issue, and if it is you could just tell people she's your friend.
