We've "outed" ourselves several times during our educational career. First to a Psych 101 professor, who was fascinated and happy to meet us and has remained a very good friend... to the point of letting us use his cabin every summer.
Also, during art school, we brought it up to two of the professors because it made sense as the art was a constant dialogue about being multiple. They seemed a little confused by it, but in the end, it was a valuable experience for all of us.
Now, working on a Masters of Oriental Medicine, I realize that two of my professors know, and one of them is the clinical director of the school. Both experiences have been extremely positive.
Maybe we live in a wierd, rosy bubble, surrounded by open minded people, but the experience here has been that if one of us feels moved to "out" ourselves, and there is a sense of trust and relevance within that impulse, it is the right thing to do.
But we don't do it with people who don't generate a sense of safety and acceptance, and there are definite situations where we keep those cards right up close.
I guess my advice would be to look at the impulse to "out" yourself to this guy, and try to determine where it originates. If you are trying to prove a point, if your professor is closed minded and biased, if either one of you has an ax to grind, I'd say it probably won't go well.
But, if you are secure in yourselves and you think there may be a benefit, for you or for him, then it might be worth it. It could be a learning experience for both of you.
Also, I'm realizing that the few times we have "outted" to someone in the psych community, they've been thrilled and interested, they've asked many questions, they've become friends. I know this isn't true of everyone in that profession, (Oh GOD how well I know) but alot of people study psychology because they are truly curious and fascinated with the diverse expression of human consciousness, and your existence could be a delight and wonder to them.
no subject
Also, during art school, we brought it up to two of the professors because it made sense as the art was a constant dialogue about being multiple. They seemed a little confused by it, but in the end, it was a valuable experience for all of us.
Now, working on a Masters of Oriental Medicine, I realize that two of my professors know, and one of them is the clinical director of the school. Both experiences have been extremely positive.
Maybe we live in a wierd, rosy bubble, surrounded by open minded people, but the experience here has been that if one of us feels moved to "out" ourselves, and there is a sense of trust and relevance within that impulse, it is the right thing to do.
But we don't do it with people who don't generate a sense of safety and acceptance, and there are definite situations where we keep those cards right up close.
I guess my advice would be to look at the impulse to "out" yourself to this guy, and try to determine where it originates. If you are trying to prove a point, if your professor is closed minded and biased, if either one of you has an ax to grind, I'd say it probably won't go well.
But, if you are secure in yourselves and you think there may be a benefit, for you or for him, then it might be worth it. It could be a learning experience for both of you.
Also, I'm realizing that the few times we have "outted" to someone in the psych community, they've been thrilled and interested, they've asked many questions, they've become friends. I know this isn't true of everyone in that profession, (Oh GOD how well I know) but alot of people study psychology because they are truly curious and fascinated with the diverse expression of human consciousness, and your existence could be a delight and wonder to them.
Or not. *grins and shrugs*
-Kat of Khailitha