the broom closet

The Broom Closet is a term used amongst Neo-Pagans (particularly Wiccans) to describe the state in which a follower of this belief system conceals their beliefs from the non-Neo-Pagan world. To come out of the "broom closet" means to acknowledge publicly one's belief in a Neo-Pagan religion. The term has its origins in the term coming out of the Closet amongst homosexuals. This parody of that term is derived from the stereotype of a witch as being a hag riding a broom. This term is used affectionately by most Wiccans. It is a reminder of the persecution of witches and homosexuals during the Burning Times up until the present. Wicca's general tolerance of homosexuality and its overwhelmingly disproportionate (to the rest of the world) homosexual membership has further strengthened this saying. It is not unusual for a homosexual Wiccan to talk about coming out of the "two closets." To some of the more traditional Wiccan denominations, this phrase may be considered offensive; however amongst most Wiccans is a commonplace expression.

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