I have been leading Lavender Womyn for just over three years now, and one thing that I often get emails about is from women who have recently discovered they are gay, or who have known they were gay, yet are married to a man and often times have children.  These women feel alone, scared, trapped, and just really don't know what to do.  I know there are many of you who have been through this senario, and each of you have had different experiences and end results.  If you'd like to share your story to hopefully help and encourage others in their difficult time, please feel free to do so. ~ Kim

Hello-
My name is Caitlin and I go to West Salem High School. I get to completely surround myself with a different lifestyle from my own and write a paper on it. Some of my classmates have a negative outlook on those who are gay/lesbian and I want to show them that there is nothing wrong with it so, I decided to spend my day with a gay/lesbian group in Salem, Or and give my class more information so that they are no longer mislead.
Are there any events or get-togethers coming up that my mother and I may attend?

Thanks,
Caitlin:)

I'm 44 and came out to myself several years ago but never did anything else. I recently told my 2 grown daughters and they've been amazingly supportive. They both told me it explained alot of where I've been coming from over the past 20+yrs. I have been abused by men but never hated them...just couldn't find that connection. I've had so many failed relationships I lost count! I still haven't acted on my acknowledgement but it's been such a huge relief just to admit that I am a lesbian and not so damaged afterall.;)

Donna,

Kudos to you for acknowledging who you are. There are many women in our community who have been in your shoes. You might checkout the Lavender Womyn Message Board. There's a link to it at the top of this webpage. More women visit the Message Board than this blog. Checkout the topic "Married (but separating) lesbian mama." You might want to get in on that conversation.