I struggle with the idea of coming out of the broom closet. Some of my friends kinda know, but I believe they do not actually take it seriously. In their eyes, I’m just “that funny witchy friend”. I feel like I’m hiding in plain sight. No one in my family or close circle of friends knows of my practice and my true beliefs. Does anyone here also struggles with the idea of coming out? I come from a very catholic family.
I am in that position. I have one friend who knows (she is a green witch). She is out of the closet in all but name - it is so obvious.
I’ve had some family gift me crystals… so… I think that is a clue. Generally, we all kinda don’t worry about it.
I’ve found it easy to discuss belief systems and I readily tell everyone I am studying them. Not putting a name on something is one way to slowly open the closet door.
Having said that, it can be tough to come out if your closer friends/family will freak out.
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Remember our craft is just that, ours. We are not called to preach or convert so if you want to keep it to yourself you can, if you want to shout it from the rooftops you can. You just do what’s best for you and your safety and peace and don’t worry over it lovely.
Skal 
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I live in the bible belt in a very small town. The only people that know I’m a witch are my husband, grown kids, and a few grandchildren. I would love to throw it out there, but I know I would be ostracized and I would literally lose my job. I kind of like having the secret.
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It took years for me to come out to my friend Evon, and it’s no big deal to her, but I don’t think she actually gets it, if you know what I mean. Sally’s always known, simply because I told the company that was assigning me a worker. I didn’t want them to send anyone who would be offended, and I figured they’d know as soon as they dusted my bookshelves. Between the witchy books and the little booby goddess statue I have, it’s kinda obvious to people who pay attention that I’m pagan.
That being said, I have no idea if the people in my building know or not. I don’t go out of my way to hide my jewelry or whatever, but I don’t go out of my way letting them know either. It’s none of their business.
As for my Mom, well, before she passed, she was the one to buy me my first witchy book. So she was very okay with it, to say the least.
You can always test the waters first. Wear a pendant with your favorite gemstone and tell them the magical properties of it. Or mention something to do with astrology or aromatherapy and scents. See if they are open minded and you can work from there.
I hope this helps! Good luck!
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With ya. My husband and I moved from southern California to a very small town in the bible belt. Everyone is very religious here, and would simply misunderstand. I keep it to myself. I don’t hide the crystals, or that I do apothecary stuff, but I don’t really discuss anything beyond that.
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@sarah7 I absolutely understand, that you want to enjoy the freedom of just being who you truly are and what you align with, without hiding it. Just know, that you´re not less of a witch, if you choose to stay in your cosy little broomcloset with your craft. Your emotional wellbeing and safety are most important!
There are many ways to work around things,
for example...
with travel altars, seasonal decorations, that only you know the symbolism and correspondences. What looks like a regular notebook or journal can be your grimoire, you can fill florida water into a little spray bottle and use it like perfume, when really you´re spraying it into your aura for protection, you can carve or draw sigils or pentacles into your shoes or on the soles of your shoes, you can have little spells in your purse, you can have a matchbox sized tiny altar in your purse, you can do color magick with nailpolish, you can bless your tea without words, just with a small gesture, you can do knot magick while crocheting something, if crystals are frowned upon you can collect random rocks and program them for specific purposes, you can take a nature walk and lean against a tree and connect to their power…I could go on forever like this. Being a witch doesn´t depend on having a large altar and piles of books and tarot decks.
And then there is TIME.
If you don´t feel safe right now with openly practicing your craft, take some time, you can always ask universe for signs, meditate about it, or build an inner temple which is a great way to connect to your craft.
However you´re going to decide, I hope you will always feel safe, protected, appreciated and loved! 
Brightest blessings! 
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Thoughtful Thursday Sarah,
Unfortunately, I cannot really help you. I have always dabbled/believed in something else (than mainstream religions). When I finally accepted it to myself, I just came out. But, that is me, straight-forward, no-holds-barred, honest-to-a-fault. I hope this gives you inspiration. I also think, if they are that judgemental, do you really want that in your life? Not pointing fingers at all, just giving my take on things…
Lady Gene 
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There are many different views and schools of thought on this; mine has evolved. I only tell those who matter to me; otherwise, it’s none of their business. To be fair, anyone who matters to me already knows without me telling them. I’ve never said it to my SO, but he can’t NOT know, given the fact that I openly read tarot for others and he has eyes and can see the books and items in my office 
His comfort level is acceptance without discussion, and that works in my situation.
There’s no requirement or need to come out of the broom closet and declare that you’re a witch, unless that’s what you need to be whole. If safety is an issue, you can practice privately, and your practice is just as valid and sacred as those who shout it on the highest mountains.
Take your time, there’s no rush. Do what feels right for you and tell or don’t tell anyone as you see fit.
hugs I know it can be tough but I hope you find a way to practice that brings you comfort and safety. 
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I struggle with the concept of “coming out of the broom closet” in general because I think it’s kind of weird. This might be an unpopular opinion, or just one that people don’t generally talk about, but I don’t really see the point of letting everyone know that you’re a practicing witch or pagan. I see religion and spirituality as something that is deeply personal and intimate. If you want to share that with others, great. If not, it isn’t something other people really need to know about you.
I don’t think “coming out of the broom closet” needs to be as big of a deal as people tend to make it. You don’t have to sit down and have a conversation with your family or friends to let them know that you’re a practicing witch or a pagan. Just live your practice. If people ask you questions and it’s safe to do so, answer honestly. Are you buying flowers for your altar but the cashier assumes you have a date? Answer honestly and tell them they are for religious practice and you are putting them in a sacred space. The only way witchcraft and paganism are going to become normal for the average person is if we start to normalize it ourselves.
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You don’t have to. Just be yourself. You are a cool person just as you are. Anything else amounts to labels or cubby holes. After a while you’ll find they don’t really fit anyway just because you are living and growing at your own pace and following your own path.
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Well put Megan. I do not necessarily tell everyone, but when I “came out” (accepted it to myself) I told those close to me.
Artemisia, I like your take, not necessarily “yelling from the mountaintops” but letting your actions speak for themselves. I really like that. I keet most of my stuff to myself. My altar is on my dresser, all my “goodies” are in my dresser or computer table. As I said on some other post, my altar is outside, and I use a tree stump. I take all my goodies out in the morning, make my oblation, then my incense and candle I leave here on my computer desk until they finish. Then all goes back where it belongs. Not an “in-your-face”. If anyone does not want to see or hear any of it….it is not invasive anyway. When there are too many people here or not enough “quiet space”…I will use my bed as my altar and perform my oblations in my room, peace and quiet.
Just do what you want, how you want….if there is any difference, the cosmos will nudge you. Closing words…..
Hakuna Matata—-no worries–Lady Gene
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