Jim Watson, Mayor Of Ottawa, Canada Come Out

[RAMROD 117,188]

 

I’m gay.

There – I said it; or rather, wrote it. Those two words took me almost four decades to utter, but as they say, “Better late than never.’’

As I look back over the years, there were some telltale signs that I wasn’t straight.

Unlike today, back when I was a teenager in the 1970s there were virtually no resources to seek for guidance or help, or just to talk. No LGBTQ clubs or gay-straight alliances.

Over the years, I told only two (gay) friends that I was gay, although I suspect most of my family and friends just assumed I was, but respected my privacy and never broached the subject.

Over the last few years, I’ve struggled often about whether or not to come out.

Finally, let me conclude with two events that helped convince me to write this message.

During the 2014 Olympic Games in Russia, stories emerged about the fear gay athletes and spectators felt due to the homophobic attitude of the Russian government. I tweeted that in solidarity with the LGBTQ community, and our athletes in particular, I would fly the Rainbow flag at City Hall for the duration of the Games.

I received thousands of supportive tweets, but one tweet and my response went viral.

One person wrote and said: ʺThis is a stupid waste of time. You’ve lost my vote.’’

I replied: ‘’If you have that point of view, I really don’t want your vote.’’

The second incident was two years ago when I was walking through Confederation Park after lunch and a middle-aged man approached me and said: ‘’I hope you’re not going in that fäg parade,’’ meaning the upcoming Pride Parade.

I told him: ‘’I’m looking forward to marching in the Pride Parade, and I plan on doing so again, so why don’t you join me?’’

He was left speechless and quickly walked away.

I’m proud of my track record on LGBTQ issues, from voting in favour of a motion on same-sex marriage to being the first Ottawa mayor to march in the Pride Parade during my first term.

But if I can be so bold as to offer one bit of advice to those still in the closet: Don’t feel pressured or rushed to come out, but don’t wait 40 years either.

My reluctance has not allowed me to live my life as full of love and adventure as my gay friends who were bolder and braver than I ever was.

So there it is, my coming out story, 40 years in the making.

 

Full confessions at Source:

https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/columnists/mayor-jim-watson-after-40-years-im-opening-the-closet-door/amp?__twitter_impression=true

 

Wooohoo!! Congrats to the man! 🥳

I am afraid some of his message may be taken different from LGBTQ++ who comes from more conservative countries though.

[bionic 50,111]

Congrats  

[River 127,594]

he reminds me Bill Gates

Congrats sis welcome 2 the community, now dl Grindr and have some FUN

[PunkTheFunk 125,715]

It makes me sad when people come out so late in life, but also happy that they finally had the bravery to do it.