is it safe these days to come out of the closet and admit you are a witch?

Answer 1

Safer, but you'll still get some prejudice and possible harrassment, particularly if you start 'wearing it' in the form of pentacles, other symbols, or any alternative look that might include a Gothic style or something like that.

But I say do it. Like with sexuality, it's better once the secret is off your chest and you can be who you are.

P.S. Why is this in the GLBT section?

Answer 2

It does depend a lot on where you live. It is far more acceptable in some areas of he country than others. For example most of the west coast and parts of New England. Certainly Salem, Mass. I love to visit there when I get the chance. Another safe place ANYWHERE is the local Renaissance Fairs, you will find that a majority of the participants are witches, druids or just plain pagan. As for living in the South, there is a lot of bigotry toward anyone who is not mainstream Christian, make that heterosexual WASP. It amazes me that around Houston I was actually able to find a Buddhist temple and a Unitarian Church! Oh, and another place you would probably feel safe "coming out" is at your local Herb Shop, just check it put first, if they deal strictly with one or two brands of commercial herbs I would not trust them. If you can walk in the store and immediately smell the incense & herbs and notice a variety of candles, odd are the priortor will be wearing a pentacle! But I don't know if others have noticed this or not, but when in the vicinity of one of your kind, you somehow pick up on it. And since I travel a lot it is sort of a comfort. Yes, I AM truly a Witch and a Gypsy (just not Rom).
BB
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Answer 3

I think the best way for me to answer this would be yes and no. Yes it is in the sense that it is more of an "accepted" religion nowadays. Yes, you may still get harrassed, and told about Hell and everything else (been there, done that)... but for the most part, it is a growing part of society, and not so much a minority.
On the other hand, there can be some complications to it. For instance, I almost got FIRED for asking for the 8 holidays off. Although there was some legal recourse available, it is expensive and generally a headache. You also need to be aware that not everyone will be open minded, and everyone also has their own interpretation as to the word "witch". Media has not been the best for realism in the regard to witchcraft, I'm afraid.
All in all, it's a personal choice that no one can make for you.
I wish you luck in your decision, and happiness with whatever choice you decide to make.

Answer 4

Safer than it use to be but depending on where you live, it may be pretty dangerous. A lot of areas of the world ( and I mean anywhere in the world) still look at anyone who is different or believes in a different religion than thier own as some kind of threat and will remove that threat any way that they see fit. It is a sad fact of living in this world now. If you are asking because you are thinking of "coming out of the broom closet" then be very careful. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Which closet are you coming out of, the broom closet?

Just picking...

You have to make that decision for yourself

__Do people around you understand what being a witch is? ..are you willing to explain without judgement?
__Is your job or family's well being at risk? ...and if so, do you have a plan B?
__Do you have a network of support first? Family? Friends?
__Do YOU understand what being a witch really is?

I know from experience that coming out of the "closet" isn't an easy task, and it sometimes takes years to do.

Good luck with the decision that's right for you.

Answer 6

You probably won't be burned, if that's what you mean but you will face bigotry. There was a case here in Indy where a Judge attempted to forbid a couple who had separated from teaching their children anything about their religion(Wicca) as part of the judgment. Of course it eventually got overturned but the fact that a judge attempted to do so at all says alot about how far we as a society have to go before learning to accept alternative lifestyles.

The two detractors you have here in this question should be a mild indication of what to expect. One is a Thumper who doesn't respect any opinion outside of his narrow minded viewpoint and the other shows his ignorance of the entire subject by resorting to stereotypes and name-calling.

Answer 7

as a witch I have to tell you, it isn't easy, but worth it.
I live in a very religous town. I do not wear my pentacle outside of my shirt at WORK, but after I clock out, it's open game, and I take it out of my shirt. Simply out of respect for the people coming to work, and the customers.

If you decide to do this, do your homework and make sure you have copies of legal documents stating wicca is a legal religion.

Goodluck, it can be hard, as long as you have some kind of support network, you can do it.

Answer 8

Are you a practicing Wicca? No harm in that. It's a legal religion and way of life. I know lots but they don't walk down the street advertising it nor do they hide it when asked. Discretion is the better part of valor they say. I'm a Christian but I don't walk around announcing it to the world. I won't deny it either.

Answer 9

You only get as much flack as much as you flaunt it. Don't start wearing all black, penacles the size of Flavor Flave's clock 'bling', shouting about the good light and how if anyone pisses you off, you'll curse them, etc etc. Going totally gothic will also get you teased at. Our society has norms that most members of society conform to as of this day and age, they extend to quite alot, but acting like that will still get you flack. Don't start doing stuff if you can't handle it. If you go out there trying to freak out people... then expect being treated like a freak, and don't start shouting about persecution.

Answer 10

I think youll be safe. I was born and raised in Boston and Salem is like a second home. Email if you want to chat