National Coming Out Day: A Journey of Courage, Resilience, and Hope (2023)

Today, on #NationalComingOutDay, my heart swells with a blend of emotions—pride, gratitude, and a tinge of sorrow. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have walked the winding path of coming out, and I’m reminded that it is not a single act, but a continuous journey. For many Queer individuals, this path isn’t traversed just once. We find ourselves on it repeatedly, revealing pieces of our truth every time we meet someone new or enter different phases of life. 

I came out to my parents 12 years ago when I realized that my partner and I wanted to have a future together. For a long time I didn’t think that I could come out because I was afraid of losing my family and support system. Meeting my partner changed all of that and it gave me a reason to share this intimate part of myself with my parents. I didn’t receive the response I wanted or needed. Instead, I received the response I feared and I remember leaving my parents home feeling hopeless and defeated. Jump to present day, I have been with my partner for 14 years and my relationship with my parents continues to grow. Coming out is not easy and I was the only one who was able to decide when it was safe enough for me to do so. I am still on my journey and continuously find myself coming out in new ways. 

Coming out is often perceived as a ceremonial rite of passage, a bridge to one’s authentic self. For me, the journey across this bridge has been both liberating and at times, traumatizing. This duality of experience is not uncommon in our community. Some are embraced with open arms, their truths celebrated, while others face backlash, isolation, or even violence.

The poignant reality is that no one should ever be compelled to step onto that bridge. Coming out should be an act of free will, guided by individual readiness and a safe environment. Everyone’s circumstances vary—some live in conservative households, while others might grapple with internalized fears or societal prejudice. The act of coming out, or the decision to refrain, is not a barometer of our worth or authenticity. Each of us, whether out or not, is deserving of undiluted love and acceptance.

Studies have consistently highlighted the adverse effects of rejection on Queer mental health. For instance, LGBTQ+ youths rejected by their families are more than eight times as likely to attempt suicide compared to those who experience low or no family rejection. This demographic is also at a higher risk of substance use and homelessness. The Trevor Project, in a recent study, reported that nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ youth considered attempting suicide in the past year, with over half of transgender and nonbinary youth among them.

But these numbers don’t just reflect despair; they underline the urgent need for societal change and heightened support systems. The act of coming out, or the choice to withhold, isn’t a measure of our worth. Each of us, out or closeted, merits unbridled love and acceptance.

We’ve made significant strides over the years. Visibility in media, legislative advancements, and broader societal discussions have ushered in an era where acceptance is growing. Cities worldwide host Pride parades, corporations wave the rainbow flag, and more parents and families are now attending PFLAG meetings. This progress, however incremental, instills hope.

But until we reach that day, to every ally reading this, you play an instrumental role. Your advocacy, encouragement, and commitment to challenging bigotry can transform the world. Every time you stand against hate, every time you echo the call for acceptance, you edge society closer to that ideal we strive for—a world where we can all just be.

As we commemorate #NationalComingOutDay, let’s not just celebrate the act of coming out but champion a world where everyone, irrespective of their journey, is recognized, respected, and embraced for who they truly are. ❤️🌈

I stand today in solidarity with every member of my Queer family, extending my deepest admiration to those who’ve chosen to come out and equal respect to those who’ve decided otherwise. To every individual finding their footing on this journey, I wish you love, strength, and hope-a hope for a world that recognizes, respects, and cherishes each one of us, just as we are.