Crescent Shadows On-Line Newsletter of the Hudson Valley Pagan Network, Inc.

Paganism, in its many variations and denominations, has been cited in multiple sources as one of the world's most rapidly growing religions. One factor that makes this claim difficult to substantiate is the fact that many Pagans choose to remain quiet about their religious preference, a practice many Wiccans refer to as being in the "broom closet". Are you an "innie" or an "outie"? How about your fellow HVPN Members? To find out, I polled the HVPN Members-only YahooGroup.

My first question asked with whom you are open about your Paganism. There were 43 responses to this question and multiple responses were allowed. No one who responded to this question reported being completely closeted. It seemed that most people were somewhat choosey about the groups of people they were open with. 10 responses indicated being open with immediate family, but this number shrunk to 5 people who are open with their extended family. Only 3 people each stated that they were open with neighbors and co-workers, but 12 people were open with friends. Seven respondents were open with everyone. Steve Ekey bases his choice on the premise that we live in a nation based on religious freedom. While he concedes that this is sometimes not true in practice, he says "I finally decided that if you could be Jewish, Moslem, Buddhist, etc., then it was all right to be Pagan and be proud."

On the open side of the coin, 9 felt it was important to act as positive role models and educators of the wider community that Pagans are "normal." Steve Ekey cited his responsibilities as a high priest. "I feel it is my duty to educate people, open the door for people and give them a place to look for information or friendship when they can't find other pagans." Nine people also felt it was their right to express their spirituality as part of who they are as people.

What motivates us to remain quiet with some populations? One aspect I wanted to explore was whether being open made people feel vulnerable, if they felt it was safe to be open. Of 24 responses, 11 people felt that it might be dangerous to be open about being Pagan in today's climate, while 13 people disagreed. I admit to being somewhat on the fence on this one myself. Here in the Capital District of New York I feel perfectly safe, but I'm not so sure my answer would remain the same if I lived somewhere south of the Mason-Dixon Line. One reason cited by 3 respondents for not telling people was that they feared the reaction they would get. Most, however, stated that they valued their privacy.

In summary, the HVPN Members who answered the poll tend to be out of the "broom closet" at least with certain people in their lives. There is still caution about being completely open with everyone, and a portion of this caution is based on concern for personal safety. Perhaps the work of some of those who are completely open and acting as Community spokespersons will help pave the road so that more can feel safe, as well as gain ground toward general acceptance of Paganism as a legitimate spiritual path.

- Dee Coyle Anderson

The author wishes to thank all who participated in the poll, especially Steve, who was willing to share many comments in addition to answering the questions.

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Last Updated: September 28, 2003
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