October 11th is National Coming Out Day, a day when members of the LGBTQ+ community celebrate coming out and living their truths. For many queer people, coming out is a pivotal moment in their lives, one that can lead to greater acceptance and happiness. In honour of National Coming Out Day, let’s examine why coming out matters and how it can positively impact your life.
The Power of Coming Out
Coming out can be a powerful act. It allows you to take control of your narrative and define yourself on your terms. In a world where queer people are often invisible, it will enable you to be seen and heard. It also allows you to forge bonds with other members of the LGBTQ+ community who understand what you’re going through.
Seeing someone else own who they are can be enormously helpful for queer people who have yet to share this part of themselves. It normalises the experience and shows there is no reason to be ashamed. When high-profile celebrities and public figures openly talk about it, it can have a massive impact and be a source of comfort. Their visibility helps break down barriers and encourages others to live their truths, and it also allows people to “test the waters” with friends and family to see how they react to the news.
The Benefits of Coming Out
There are many benefits to coming out, both for the individual and society. On a personal level, it can lead to a greater sense of self-acceptance and improved mental health. It can also help you build stronger relationships with family and friends. Sometimes, it may even lead to finding new friends and community members who better understand and accept you.
From a societal perspective, coming out helps break down stereotypes and misconceptions about the LGBTQ+ community. It also challenges the notion that being queer should be a dirty little secret. Bit by bit, we’re ending the stigma.
A Changed Perspective
Coming out can also change your perspective on life. Once you’ve taken this step, you’ll likely see the world differently. You’ll be more aware of the daily struggles and challenges that queer people face. But you’ll also be more attuned to the beauty and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community. This new perspective can liberate and help you lead a more authentic and fulfilling life.
How to Come Out
There is no one right way to come out. You can do it in person, online, or even in writing. The most important thing is that you do it in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Remember, you have the power to control your narrative. You can choose when, where, and how you do it.
You can start by talking to a trusted friend or family member. This can help remove some of the pressure and allow you to practice sharing this part of yourself. Or you can join an LGBTQ+ support group or community organisation. These groups can provide a safe and supportive space to explore your identity.
If you’re not ready to loudly bust out of the closet, that’s okay too. You can take your time and do it when you’re good and ready, if at all. Remember, there is no rush. This is your journey, and you should do it at your own pace. You can choose to live “out” in your own way. You might not want to tell the world, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live your truth.
The Importance of Acceptance
Of course, not everyone has a positive coming-out experience. For some people, it leads to rejection from family members, friends, and others in their life. This can be incredibly difficult to deal with, but it’s important to remember that not everyone will approve of you—and that’s okay. It goes both ways. We don’t want bigots in our lives, do we? Uh-uh. Let the trash take itself out. Most importantly, you need to be at peace with and accept yourself. Once you do that, everything else will fall into place.
Sadly, all of this only applies if you are safe. For queer people who are in abusive households or live in countries where being gay is illegal or where there is little to no protection from discrimination or violence, coming out is not an option. However, building community is still possible, even if you can’t do it openly. You are not alone. A whole community of people support you, no matter what. We’re proud of you.
Happy National Coming Out Day! We hope everyone has a safe and supportive experience if they come out today or at any point in their lives.
National Coming Out Day is an important day for members of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a day to celebrate living your truth and being your authentic self. It’s also a day to remind everyone that queer people are here, we’re visible, and we’re not going anywhere. So on this National Coming Out Day, take a moment to celebrate yourself—and all the other remarkable queer people in your life.
If you need support, many organisations can help, including:
-The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
-PFLAG: https://pflag.org/
-GLAAD: https://www.glaad.org/
-Rainbow Railroad: https://www.rainbowrailroad.org/
-Trans Lifeline: https://www.translifeline.org/
-ACLU LGBT and HIV Project: https://www.aclu.org/issues/lgbt-rights
