Pagans: Are you in the broom closet ?

Question

Are you secret about your beliefs? If so why?
I am open, but not in your face about it. Here in my part of Texas a good many pagans have to hide theri beliefs for fear of losing jobs.

Answer 1

I am not, but like you neither am I very "in your face' about it.

I have presented talks on Paganism at Interfaith events, to a Jewish confirmation class, and in other venues.

And I've been the Public Information Officer of the local council of Covenant of the Goddess; in that capacity I have been interviewed for the local newspaper.

So I'm definitely not in the broom closet.

I don't wear a pentacle the size of a dinner plate, and I don't answer every question I'm asked with "As a Pagan, I think.....", though I do have a "Thank Goddess!' bumper sticker on my car.

Answer 2

I spent 6 years in the U.S.Navy defending the right of everyone to worship as they choose. So because of that I do not advertise my beliefs, they are just that mine. My friends and family know that I am Wiccan but at work I don't wear my pentacle out in the open, but that is for safety reasons.

I still laugh about how on the last Friday of the month the boss always buys pizza for the whole shop. Once that happened to be "Good Friday" and I had taken a few slices of pizza with meat on them. One of the shop foreman was checking everyone to see if they were being a "good Christian" and asking if they were eating "Christian pizza" (no meat) and I replied, "Nope, pagan pizza here" he just laughed.

Answer 3

I ain't a pagan but I can guess why some are like that.
I am Catholic, but I respect all religions. I may not agree with what you believe in, but hey, I'm only human, and I was raised Catholic so yea.
Anyways, it's probably because paganism isn't a very common "religion". People might view it with disgust, associating it with witches, forest spirits and crazy rituals. A lot of people are Christians, in the States and some of them have a very low tolerance level for other religions. I love God and I praise him, but I will never fire an employee with is a astruar. And plus, you're in Texas...that might explain why.

Answer 4

Yikes! You make me feel so appreciative of where I live! Sorry you have this around you.
With my heel tatoos, my long Celtic braid adorned with stones it is hard to hide my Paganism. I don't. But I have a daily commitment to 'help another' and the once fearful town folk have grown to accept me. Of course, I live in a wee town so it's easier. Word gets around.
I rarely openly claim I am Pagan Witch but I share and talk all the time with others. Seems many are interested. I feel blessed.

Bright Blessings

Answer 5

An understandable fear, many people are very much prejudiced against pagans for their beliefs. They STILL believe that pagans are a bunch of animal-and-child-blood-sacrificing people and fear that they will be the victims of curses. There's misinformation and ignorance for you. I am kinda standing in the doorway of my "broom closet". I'm out with my husband and many of my friends, but my family and my husband's family don't know. Well that's not entirely true. My sister-in-law knows and is open minded and somewhat curious about it. Although I know she will never vere off her Catholic path. It's nice to know that someone in my husband's family will accept me for my pagan self, but I'm not sure about the rest because they are very strong-willed in their faith of Catholicism. I myself am afraid of persecution and avoidance from them if I come out too much. But that's the risk I may have to take eventually.

Answer 6

You betcha I'm in the closet. There are a few gals who are just like me here and we know of each other but that is about it. My entire family would lose their jobs, our property would be vandalized or destroyed and I would be at risk of physical harm or even death. Most in this country don't believe that this type of christian Fundy exists anymore but I know that they do. Right now because I do not attend church I am under the label of being "Odd" in their vocabulary and they do once in a while come at me about it. I just slip around their questions and politely let them do their rambling propaganda speech, smile and walk away. It is a balancing act for me but necessary to protect my loved ones who aren't Wiccan. I haven't even really came out of the closet to them. My hubby and youngest son (who is into Asturu) know about me but that is because they guessed. My youngest is in the closet as well about his religion. It simply isn't discussed with others. I dream of a time when I and others like me can just be who we are no matter what.

Answer 7

No i am not in the Broom closet!

Here in my town we have a population of 900 and not everyone knows because i dont scream it from the rooftops but i do have a large wiccer pentacle on my front door!
bb
~A~

Answer 8

I am an atheist, and I have to say I have little respect for any religion, but I think it is sad and ironic the way Christians give wiccans and pagans such a terrible time. Pot -kettle-black, anyone? And I have to say I have more time for a faith that says 'do what thou will, but harm none' that for one that says 'Suffer not a witch to live'!!

Answer 9

Oh, that's Horrible!

No one should have to hide their beliefs out of Fear!
People of a similar faith as yours already had to do that, such as the Slaves when they came to America, they had to hide their faith by mixing it with Christianity.

We are living in the 21st century no one should have to hide their religion!

Answer 10

No im not..i live in so cali, i suppose that is much more liberal than texas and losing your job because of religous beliefs is illegal..but i suppose its really no ones business anyway what i believe huh. Happy Friday DUDE