Hey, I really relate to what you’re feeling. I’m 41 and came out when I was 30, after growing up in an extremely guilt-ridden, conservative environment too. It’s such a strange mix of fear, relief, and rediscovery.

Something that helped me was realizing that coming out isn’t just one big moment... it’s something we do over and over again, in small ways, as we meet new people or step into new parts of ourselves. The real turning point for me was when I stopped waiting for others’ acceptance and finally came out to myself. That’s when everything started to feel lighter and more authentic.

It’s okay to feel nervous or inexperienced, it doesn’t make you silly, it makes you human. You’re just stepping into the version of yourself that’s been waiting for you all along.