I've seen some very very interesting profiles on VR and was wondering how many folks on here are "out" in regards to their lifestyles and/or spirituality and how does it affect you.
Personally I've been "out" for over 20 years in regards to my spiritual beliefs and once people close to me got over the initial shock and I straightened out misconceptions, its made my journey a hell of a lot easier for the most part.
The misconception about religion still exist. Let say, if you follow witchcraft, for some people will be OK, for other, you will be banned from their inner circle. We still living in the cave mentality.
Fear is still present in this day and age. They may not burn you at the stake physically, yet they will destroy all you touch.
i have a religion butmy lifeforbidden can contradict it. i do have problems with the contradiction.as i love being bitten
One thing I snooped out personally is what I suspected, the term "Lifeforbidden" is clique, and has no meaning, or definition. The only people who use the term have yet to define it. Because if you google it, or wiki it, there is nothing, so it is just a flashy nomenclature/title that people throw around to appear to belong to something sheik.
There is no "life forbidden"... only vanity in seeking acknowledgment and, if possible, adoration from others in emulating and mimicking the vampire iconography of current post-modern pop culture and the Western fictions responsible for it.
None of this is the actual Vampire of Slavic lore as the real Vampire never did (nor now does) have fangs, dress Goth, fear sunlight or crucifixes, sleep in coffins, etc., ... or drink blood. Thus, none of this "life styling" is actual Vampirism. It is, instead, normal Humans play-acting Western fictions and calling all such a "life forbidden."
Being out of the closet is the full intention of those who identify as vampires, what they keep "in the closet" is what matters, they always bulk at educating (or sharing the resources used in coming to their conclusion). I see this as people wanting to be "upfront" about themselves.. yet still wanting to appear to be mysterious. If you want to "come out" then be prepared for inquiry, and scrutiny.
Out as pansexual in RL and VL.
Out in religious veiws in RL.
Out as a male witch in VL, and among family in RL.
I tell some people but what I tell them varies from person to person because of the social stigma attatched to any form of paganism or unconventional religion, not just vampirism.
Have you looked at the symptoms for some mental disorders? Some of them describe those with various pagan beliefs. If Jeasus did come again America would probably stick him in a mental hospital or send him to a government facility if he had supernatural powers.
Personally I don't have any beliefs. If I did though I would keep them to myself. It is just to obvious that to many people "come out" simply in an attempt to impress others, or in pride/boasting. The only people I would share with are those that I determined (through clues, and watching them practice the tenants of the faith/lifestyle).
I am sitting in the middle of the doorway. Just depends on who it is and if they are trusting and a understanding person. Those two things i look for before letting one know to much about me.
I'm both but, I chose who I tell especially to humans who are not vampires or any other supernatural. It says in The Black Veil that we shouldn't tell the media who we are, were suppose to live in seracy. An example of this would be Don (the supposed "vampire" who appeared in The Tyra Banks Show) I'm sure most of us were pretty pissed off when he told the world that vampires do exist. Were suppose to live in secrecy. Yes, I understand most of us are humans but, think about would rather you be locked in a nuthouse or would you rather be living in the outside world where you have internet access to others such as yourself?
When I found out that I was an energy vampire I wanted to tell my parents but, I couldn't because, I knew that I would be sent away for a very longtime.
So, be VERY careful who you tell, you don't backlash on this.
~Tory~
My Philosophy flies under the radar, and is not suitable for "Pinks", if it they are meant to learn, or be exposed to it then they will, if not then they won't. It is not in the tenants of my philosophy to evangelize.
I have been out about what i believe in for years, but i did just recently come out about liking girls to my mothers side of the family.
They have always loved me for me and have never tried to change me yes they worry about my immortal soul butthey still love me.
my fathers side......they know to a point but pft ha your nuts i would never come out to them at all, thats mad talk they are very religious and the last time i talked about it they tried to exercise the demons from me, and i was five.
I'm Agnostic and live in a closed-minded country, so only my friends know what I am, not even my family. So for me no, I'm not out and can never be.
It's probably dangerous to be "out of the coffin," yet here we are on the internet in a forum anyone can sign up for.
And the NSA is watching us all! Well, we won't go THERE.
I live in the "bible belt" and even long hair and fingernails on a male will cause you problems and unwanted attention.
Religious fanaticism is rampant in our world, and that makes it dangerous for anyone who is different from the sheep of the flock.
Yea, but some people are simply changing their wool color, and declaring themselves different. It seems to be that the whole intent behind their adopting an ism is for self promotion. Even when I had beliefs I kept it close to my vest, I reasoned that anyone who shared by beliefs would know, I was never one to try to impress others with what I believed. Now a days that seems to be the only reason people proclaim their beliefs. If a person whats to know what you believe then that is one thing, but introducing yourself as such and such is a whole different matter.
If you really want to know My take on this, though it most likely won't matter much--
Where I currently "live" (the "Iron Range"), people don't believe in the Vampyre, or even in the idea that someone can be 'gifted' with Vampyric capability or drawn back by it. Most people around here believe that if you "THINK" you are Vampyre, then you have a serious mental delusion happening, and they attempt to push medication on you, unless they know that man made chemicals have no effect on you. (i.e., Myself.)
I have been to many, many places, in which we are taken to with a 'warm' greeting and some have given me shelter when I needed it the most. Some places, such as West Virginia (though only in the smaller to larger cities), where more people are open in their minds and faiths.
I have also been to places like North Carolina (of which is one place I will never return to, lest it is to do something "not very pleasant") and Wisconsin, which is another place I won't return to, for other reasons. I've been to almost every major city on those three states, alone, and in my state, there are very few places where we are not only 'recognized', but to a point feared only to extent of high respect, and some hold us in high regards, if we are benevolent enough. Meaning, unless you are like Me, then they may even welcome you. the only reason for which I have to hide, around here, is that if I don't, then some even more questionable individuals than myself will begin to cause trouble. (Hence a reason for which I was given a very old nickname, in this area, of which i won't get into now.)
I remain in the shadows, for the sake of those I care about, because people around this area are not very understanding, but they aren't as bad as I have seen in North Carolina (i.e., your "Bible Belt"). the last time I was there, my very presence seemed to make everyone around me more afraid than they would have been, staring into the eyes of the Devil, himself. It almost started a repeat of the Salem Witch Trials (that is just how bad it was. I had to hide under the roof of a person everyone avoided, just to keep from having to defend myself from demented "mobs").
To put it simply, my stay in NC was not pleasant, in the least. Though, I would have stayed there, had I been able to accomplish what I'd set out to do, at the time.
All in all, for the most part, I do still "hide in the shadows", but that's just by my nature. In short, I "hide" to keep those around me safe, because I have an old reputation around here, which has yet to die.
I don't see my beliefs as something to be revealed or put in obscurity. I am what I am. I do daily routine things, talk to people, interact with them on a daily basis, but everyone I come into contact with knows I am not mainstream... just a tad bit different. I don't see it as an issue. It's only an issue when the beliefs of the majority contradicts what I believe in. Then, I will have to stand my ground and say, "Hey, that's just wrong" or "It should be like this instead"... I guess it depends on the situation.
out. what I believe in is not a secret to those in my RL
I practice my beliefs quietly, I suppose. It's a very personal matter and while I'm not secretive, I'm not going to announce to everyone "Hey I'm off to go meditate" or "Hey I really need to sort out my center".
I don't think what I believe should affect my interactions with other people, even to just say "Oh hey, I'm Wiccan." I don't need to announce it, I just am.
If people ask, I tell them, but in my experience they dont ask.
I do tend to hide different things with different people. My girlfriend and t my mentor (out in the real world) are the only 2 people that know that I'm a vampire. On the other hand, most people know I'm a wiccan, and everyone knows I'm a lesbian. So it just depends on how close I am to people and how much I trust them. ^_^
I work in a christian school and I am not out of the coffin because I love and need my job.
People call me a vampire everyday. I do not response. I look at them smile and walk away.
I am out and long as I remember always have been as I see myself as being spiritual and not Religious.
l am a natural born Vampire, confirmed by a very dear and close, also Power vampire himself... l am not affraid to say that l am very proud of what and who l am within my self. and that l have passed on my Vampire skills and strength to my children .. l do believe in the afterlife, as when we pass to spirit, we still remain on the earth to finish our work as our Soul remains walking the earth to help and support others who are in need and guidance...
Organized religion is often nothing more than a cult. Personal development, both spiritually and psychologically should be the primary focus for an individual.
i think everybody has a duality to them.and has to wear a mask to hide who they are under certian circomstances
Major "approved" religions will always be running high in terms of financial benefits and security. If you belong to a mainstream religion, it is all good. I also believe that those who dabble and experiment with several religions or cultures (not all cultures have what we call 'religion') are simply really stubborn beings, hell-bent on learning the hard way... but I feel that this is a test of faith... and some of us gladly accept this test. Sure, some of us get bullied and bashed up for our beliefs. Not only that, the majority consider us inferior and in turn they become judgemental in our eyes. As long as Mankind has the ability to think on his/her own, there will always be this beautiful struggle.
I give props to those who are open and honest about their lifestyle or beliefs. No one should be afraid or feel as though they have to hide who they are and what they believe in.
because of widespread misunderstanding, prejudice, and bigotry, there are people you dare not inform of your lifestyle. Otherwise you suffer great social, religious and other deficits, that will happen. This occurs to all degrees.
There have been cases where people in divorce or child custody issues have this brought up against them, and in some cases successfully
The Dr believes they are many make believe people here as if you were to approach them in real life they would be nothing like what they are here or in their profile.
I think some people take the internet wayyyyyy too seriously. Especially ones that wave plastic knives around on a webcam that were purchased at K-Mart. But that's just my own personal opinion.
I have been out of the broom closet for some time now. My immediate family, were not all that happy with it. But it is my life, not theirs.
I agree with UpirLikhyj.Putting on Fangs,capes,drinking wine out of a decorative Cup and so forth,does not a Vampire make.In my opinion real vampires are People who Need energy,not blood.They do not have powers,they don`t transform into bats or anything of the such.They simply Need constant companionship and Emotion from a specific Group which allows them to feel better.For instance,let`s say you got home from work,you`re incredibly tired and you just want to sleep.But all of a sudden your neighbour Pops in and invites you clubbing.On the way you hate yourself for going,but once you arrive and start to mingle you feel more energized.The happiness and energy of the crowd washes over you and you ``feed`` on it so to speak.It`s basically a strange form of self hypnosis.I have had such experiences before and while I can`t say that I can prove it,it certainly works.
I have found that my beliefs and my lifestyle have made for a challenge with my family and some others who have their own views.
But I guess there came a time where I simply couldn't deny myself anymore. In the long run who is with you the longest? Who are you stuck with all the time? Yourself ... (unless you have others in there with you...)
But with all due respect, everyone is entitled to their opinions and beliefs... so long as it isn't hurting or diminishing anyone else's in the process...
So speaking for myself... I am out.
If anyone asked me, I would simply explain, and answer any questions they had. If they chose to judge me based on their own upbringing or beliefs, that's on them...
But I am confident in myself... to me, that's all that counts at the end of the day.
=-)
~Niffy
I am forward & upfront about my lifeforbidden with certain people and closed with others. ie: I don't tell my priest that I'm a slave involved in a 24/7 D/s relationship. It all depends on the individual & the situation we find ourselves in, what I tell people about me.
It depends on the closet. Some doors are better left shut, locked and cemented shut
Todays society is still as judgemental as ever....if you.dont all believe in one higher power then we are damned
youre not bi,sraight,or gay,your just you,there are no labels,labels are for people that judge one another,there fear,takes over them.when we learn to love one another ,fear is gone,and love prevails,Peace Elviscat
I totally agree with you above. I don't consider being gay or bi any different than straight. I am who I am, my friends are who they are and we are all the same, human. People need to stop judging and treat others the way you want to be treated yourself. Be nice.
Love is love no matter what......people just need as was said above...just treat each other with respect
I stay true to who i am...WHERE IT BELONGS.
In other words, because i live in the Bible Belt, and a large portion of the people here are Christians, I keep who and what i am on the low low so-to-speak because it's none of their business and it saves me the trouble of questions and being treated like an outcast just because i'm not the "programmed" kind.
I was out, for a time. But not to my family, with my ex partner and our friends. Unfortunately as a couple people above mentioned, Witchcraft is unacceptable, especially in a house full of Christians that believe Rap music is the Devil's music. I wish it was that simple, I wish I could come out and tell them, but I can't. My spirituality has to remain in secrecy.
Still trying to decide what would be best. For now just taking it as a case by case scenario. It also depends alot on which town I am living in at the time.
I am what I am & my friends accept me for that. I don't deliberately hurt people & hope for the same in kind. I don't let what others think or say matter. I try to be true to myself.
It's interesting to see how many are coming out of the coffin, so to speak. Some come out of closets, some come out of broom-closets and then some from out of the coffin!
I never intended to "come out". Mainly because I view it as an alternative system of belief. I dont carry or wear things that portray what I believe in. By coming out, I believe you mean by revealing everything... The whole nine yards. I've never done that. My family knows about what o believe in. But no, I dont take myself too seriously. I believe in co-existing. We dont have to be so weak-willed and be influenced easily. It's about self-realisation. What are you?
Having said that, the masses will always talk. They seem to know more about my life than I do! Wow.
Most people know my beliefs and even though some don't like it, they accept it my choice.
Then you`re one of the lucky ones,LordMogy.To this day many Christians ``hunt`` witches and to become a ``witch or possessed`` in their eyes doesn`t take much effort.I don`t want to go into Details so as to not offend people,but I`m sure that most of the people on VR have had at least one Encounter with this behavior.
I'm in the closet. seems like when I express myself, I get into
unnecessary arguments and debates. Ugh!.
It really just depends on who it is. My family and close friends know I am wiccan and psi vamprye. A couple of my family members and friends are just so closed minded that it's hard for them to get over what I am and choose to follow.
In my family everyone who doesn't have the gene(s) is totally benign to their existance and a lot of them are skeptics or don't mess with or believe in much of anything at all on the topic
Some of my friends do, mainly the ones who also have similar beliefs or practice similar things
You mention the word pagan to most of the population they associate it with evil, black magic, and satanism, even my vocab book said pagan meant heathen, when that's only a very small part of it and a lot of it, such as Wicca, is completely good and harmless
I am "out" spiritually.I don't think I could live without people knowing as it is a massive part of my life.
I normally have a few different reactions for me being a witch such as:
"are you going to turn me into a frog"
"where's your broomstick?"
"can you make me a love spell?"
Or along those lines. But some people are fine with it. I find that there will always be someone who is a douche about it. But I just ignore them :D
my main thing is emotions so I do it all the time around people who don't know and they have absolutely no clue, they think it's just how emotions and their energy levels work naturally
My lifestyle on vr has been closed encounters but I am secretive person by nature,
I'm out as a Pagan, Warlock, Sexual Vampyre, Hedonist, and life is Awesome!
Telling people what I am was probably one of my more stupid ideas. I wish to hell i'd been more selective about who I told. My family found out and now they all think i'm actually insane, it's not something I can reason with them. There's being the black sheep of the family and then there's being an embarrassment to them. My dad thinks I should be on meds for the rest of my life rather than just letting me believe what I want. I'd advise caution to before telling anyone anything.
No. Absolutly not. That would be disaterous to my sanity and health. In my home I am to be the perfect child, never a hair out of place never an incorrect or improper statement. No. I am not even free to speak my mind on little subjects. Therefore by no means what so ever is anyone to know of what I am, what I practice, what I crave.
As for my wiccan side I do not keep that a secret. As for the vampire side of me depends on the person. I have to be able to trust them fully. Some people are not all to thrilled about the idea of you telling them you are a vampire, so it has to be someone I really trust and consider family.
Real-life is not usually glamorous. Mortals enjoy labelling others. It becomes 'name-calling' and they fail to see it as a form of bullying. It starts with adults and gets passed down to children. It's discriminatory. I believe in Vampire Rights, just as there are Human Rights. Respect, these days, is diminishing.
Some of the flack comes from people being left with no info on the subject. Most people (even here on this site) declare themselves to be such, and such.. and yet they shirk away from answering well intended inquiries.
Perhaps it can be quite difficult to be articulated. It could be a phase while dealing with many of life's trials and tribulations. Emotional pain could be a factor... Wanting to be understood. Unless a ruling body declares otherwise, people will always want and desire. Some can only discern fact from fiction through Experience. Not many enjoy being challenged.
So if a person has no concept of what it is they are claiming, then it is best to not say anything.. otherwise they are placing themselves in a predicament.
Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
~ Abraham Lincoln
I guess that is right. ;)
The best approach is to first get a general reading on the persons temperament to the topic before "dropping the bombshell". This separates the rational believer from the irrational (often fantastical) believer. The later being all about the shock factor, a person who is most intent on causing a discomfort in the person they are telling, often to intimidate how superior they are.
The best way to come into such a discussion is to use a ruse conversation, introduce the topic without including yourself as a participant. Example "I read an article about _____, what is your perception about ______?"
It may be unfortunate, but I live in a closed-minded family. As well as in a closed-minded country, since I'm Italian. For practical reasons, I'm forced to stay in the closet. Theres no way that my father, or anyone from my family, could appreciate what I am, in a way that he would eventually let me be myself.
One of the ways I bring it up now is by saying hey, I was on *vampire* rave and see how they react to the site name alone
Since my beliefs require some explaining to those who don't know much of anything about it I only tell those who I feel like giving an explanation or who know a decent amount about it already, to pretty much anyone else, I'm an athiest
I dont tell evryone who im i. If some ask. I maight tell. After all is my right to not tell. Most people does not understand. And they live in fantazy lala land. So thats why i fell until those character don't wake up and see the real world most of us will not live in harmony whit other people. but thats just humble apinion of one creature.:)
I'll discuss it with those who ask, but its a deeper part of my spirituality as well, and for the most part its hidden.
If someone sincerely contacts me, we'll talk about it, but lately I've ben maintaining a diurnal lifeforbidden. It's taken its toll on me of course, but it is what it is.
I feel there are less and less sincere people in the world.
I've always been "out" and glad to talk about the stuff I'm into.
interesting topic,
my spiritual beliefs im open, im out. I dont talk about it unless someone asks and then im honest. I believe a little of a few religions,
as for my forbidden life, im definitely in, a few close friends know about my guilty pleasures, but in general i dont share it
For me personally, it's on a need to know basis. I am open about some of my spiritual views, and practices if someone asks, however I do not flaunt them. I am a bit more private about my vampyric practices.
I don't openly advertise my beliefs or anything else. If I am close to someone either as a friend or relationship then I will tell if asked.
I aviod sharing this to mainstreamers. People can use this info against you especially where sensitive relationships at work and home. I've known people whose beliefs were used against them in marital breakups where child custody issues are involved. Or a boss who thinks you're to strange, and passes you up for promotion. Or relatives who think you need psychiatric help, and are tempted to act on their beliefs.
No thanks!
I am usually a very Closed person. however if some one were to ask me for an opinion I will tell them exactly what I think. I don't really have a religion, still having a hard time believing in anything. But if I were to have one I am deeply thinking of Druidism. Not witch craft, Druidism. I have always been close to nature. so that would be a good choice for me. Never really understood in just believing in one God or one Spirit. Or one Hell or One Heaven. It just does not add up to all the other religions and Gods and Goddesses through out the ages. I was brought up Christian but started to realize that it just doesn't make since to fear Death or if I will go to hell or not just because I did some shit that I regret. Sure there is a special place for the extremely evil I am sure. But like my daddy always said and says, If your not sinning, your not having fun. >.>
I see too many examples of people with weak beliefs try to up the fervency by convincing others of their belief. A pathetic practice indeed. Mostly because they are invested in the belief under pretense.
I have a short temper and an even shorter one for corny fakes.....
I also speak my mind....
I'm an open person.
When asked I don't lie.
I live as I please not to please others.
Now don't get me wrong, I am always one to help others.
but I don't go out of my way to Change how I choose to live or my beliefs because People don't care for it.
that sounds like a "you" problem and not a "me" problem.
That being said we as beings are responsible for what we say, not how others interpret it.
I'm not sure how I would be classified. I don't lie about my life, but I don't go out of my way to let everyone know what I believe. Most of my friends know my sexual orientation, religion, etc... I don't see why perfect strangers need to know personal things about me.
I am as I am, an individual within the Whole, with no presences, who often offends.
I'm mostly out. People know I am a pagan and they know about my vampire thing. They know I am trans and lesbian. So, it doesn't really phase me.
I'm in between...depends on the person I guess...I do keep mostly good company so most ppl I know know my beliefs ampng the other aspects of my life... its just had for me with my family...
also depends on the person if i feel the need too be different i cant change attitude in blink of an eye :)
I've always been open abut my complete lack or religion, and I'm still young enough to be considering things like sexuality, so... *shrug*.
I think it's a bit easier to be open with people about what your base beliefs are. No-one should be ashamed of them.
certin things I discuss and certin things I don't discuss.
I was raised Christian. I went through a time in my life where I questioned religion as a whole and at one point, I considered myself Wiccan because I agree with the philosophy more than others. I realized though, that religion is just not for me. I consider myself a Spiritualist, having no set religion, but definitely believing in the Creator, the spiritual and paranormal experience, and the basis of varied techniques to enhance this quality of life through but not limited to, meditation, prayer, ritual, channeling of spiritual energy for intervention/intercession, healing, blessing, cleansing, etc. The list goes on. My family and my friends know this and although there may be things that make them uncomfortable, they accept it as just being a part of me. However, I do not go around proselytizing to bring attention to myself or force my beliefs on anyone. If asked an opinion, I will give it, from my point of view, whether it seems an agreeable line of thought or not.
I keep a lot of things about myself, TO myself. Unless ofc I encounter others who can relate or have something in common to share. It's really not anyone's business to tell them who or what i am, but I do share with those closest to me. I was raised Christian also, but that changed as i grew older and started to think more about history and why should i believe in this without researching more of it etc. So for now, I am not an anything when it comes to beliefs and practices. I steer my own ship and go where things guide me.
I am very vocal about my beliefs. However I don't try to convince people I'm right and they are wrong. I like to see what everything has to offer before making a judgement on it.
I am not "out" about my spirituality and beliefs I have told a select couple friends but I haven't told any of my family or any one close to my family my family has very strong Christian beliefs and spirituality if I were to tell my family I am Wiccan I would be kicked out of the house. it is very stressful to not be able to tell my family who I am
I wear the appropriate mask for the appropriate person and/or activity. I live my life in the shadows because of my professional endeavors.
I am out here but in my life I don't tell anyone who or what I am it's bad enough I have to wear contact to hide my actual eye color
I'm entering college 2 weeks from today, the dorms are apartment forbidden and have 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a common living area
When I got the paper giving me the names and numbers of my roommates I texted them and since we are living together for a year of course I told them about my beliefs and some practices, but not the vampyrism because I'm finally freed from my Catholic family and don't want to hide anymore or give anyone extreme paranoia, anxiety, sleeping issues, or even make them pass out because something slipped, they saw something, or walked in at the wrong time
the result with them being christian or close to it is them thinking I'm some sort of a weird freak, the two of them have decided to room together because it's better than weird, freaky me who's communicated with beings that don't have a flesh body
there's one that we haven't been able to get ahold of yet, she's got a landline and hasn't picked up for any of us or called any of us back, that's most likely my roommate unless something happens between now and then, I'm hoping she's more accepting or not coming at all where as it's a reputable school and she hasn't made any effort to contact anyone she'll be living with yet
I'm still on my spiritual journey, in that I don't have one label to describe my beliefs. Many of my close friends, my husband, and my mother know of my eclectic tastes and they are all very accepting - even curious. I'm often asked questions about what I do practice, which makes me happy because I always enjoy helping people learn something new.
I am only "out of the closet" about who I am and my beliefs to close friends. I can never tell my family because of their religious beliefs. They would sadly never understand and would think I am a devil worshiper when that is not true at all. I wish I could be open with them though.
I have a hard time explaining to some of my relatives that I'm an agnostic.
I don't even bother getting into vampires; it would just go over their heads, and I'm already the 'different' one in the family.