It Pays to be Out
By now you’ve probably heard about BP’s former chief executive, John Browne. He might be facing perjury charges related to his testimony in his efforts to keep details of his four-year relationship with beau Jeff Chevalier out of the papers. Basically they say that Browne lied in order to keep those details hush-hush. Brown worked for BP for 41 years - in a closet of his own making.
He’s quoted as having said
I have always regarded my sexuality as a personal matter, to be kept private.
I think that privacy is great but trying to stay in the closet about his relationship cost Browne about $31 million. According to CNN,
Browne’s early departure means he will lose a bonus of up to 1.3 times his annual salary, that comes to more than £3.5 million, just under $7 million. He will also miss out on the long-term performance share plan for 2007-2009 with a maximum potential value of some £12 million, just under $24 million, the BP statement said.
Coming out takes guts. It’s not easy to be openly gay - even for a boss of a very powerful corporation. Moreover, coming out is a life-long process. Every time you meet someone new or get a new job you’ll have to come out all over again. But if you’re not out, people will always speculate why you’re a 50 year old “bachelor”. It’s not really a secret. So, come out! Live your life out in the open - and celebrate love in your life. Don’t stuff it into a dark closet.
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