Let us not romanticize coming out.
Let us not forget that it is a privilege.
Let us not forget the trans, gay, and queer folks who get disowned and kicked out for telling the world their truth.
Let us not forget.
I'm told it's #NationalComingOutDay, at least that's what it is in the United States. Not really a thing in my part of the world, as far as I know, but the sentiment is something I care about... so, seems a good moment to repost this piece
Happy #nationalcomingoutday to all those able to live as their authentic self.
It took me till 25 to come out as queer, and till much later to begin my gender journey that currently is where I feel happiest at nonbinary transfemme.
I wish everyone could be themselves without fear of persecution and discrimination. Sending much love to everyone today 💕 #queer#nonbinary
I am already out. But I don't really talk about my sexuality because it is just hard to define. I have aspects of it that are less talked about in the greater society, & one of those aspects is "Autosexuality."
No, it isn't getting turned on by cars. :ablobcatcoffee:
Autosexuality, an orientation on the asexual spectrum, is mainly characterized by an attraction to oneself. That's the basic version, I will let experts tell you more because I don't know every nuance.
"Come out to your neighbors ... to your fellow workers ... to the people who work where you eat and shop ... come out only to the people you know, and who know you. Not to anyone else. But once and for all, break down the myths, destroy the lies and distortions. For your sake. For their sake. For the sake of the youngsters who are becoming scared by the votes from Dade to Eugene.” — Harvey Milk
My post for #NationalComingOutDay - it took me a long time to find comfort in my own skin. That's a story in itself. And I've been out here a bit longer and to friends from the "real world" a tiny bit longer, but it was 9/9 of this year that I finally decided to share with the rest of the people who know me (or an old version of me). Anyway my 51st year around the sun is a big new chapter. 🌈 ❤️
Happy #NationalComingOutDay friends! I came out on this day six years ago. If you're considering it, and it's safe for you but you fear the discomfort/awkwardness/judgment/shame, let me encourage you to set that aside and come out! The internal shame, self judgment, internal awkwardness and discomfort you lose by coming out will MORE than make up for whatever you experience coming out.
It helps you be the most real version of yourself you can be. What else do you need to know?
Happy National Coming Out Day to all. If you need a spare internet parent who is accepting of you the way you are, I volunteer as tribute. :ablobpridde1: :heart_trans: #NationalComingOutDay
I came out to my closest family a decade ago.
2 years ago, I posted about being engaged. To my surprise, publications called it a news anchor's coming out.
The truth is—coming out's not a 1 time thing.
Heck, I came out to the dentist weeks ago when he asked about a wife.
Each time, I’ve felt freer. And prouder.
Coming out is such a personal decision, and everyone should do it when it’s right for them.
I’ve always been queer af and have been open about this in my personal life for almost two decades, but this is the first #NationalComingOutDay I am intentionally out in my workplace and …I won’t lie, I still internally flinch every time I mention my partner as “she.”
coming out is (still) a forever process, so let’s remember to be patient with ourselves today :blob_rainbowheart:
Today, on #NationalComingOutDay, I'm grateful for my 7th grader's math teacher..in August on Back to School Night, I immediately noticed the Progress Pride Flag matter-of-factly hanging on wall. I was heartened by his allyship, as I consider myself an ally and yearn for my children/and their peers to find themselves in inclusive spaces. Thank you Mr. R, for representing and being an engaging math educator!
Visibility matters. It matters for those who don’t feel safe enough to come out. It matters to those who fought to be who they are. It matters because we have always been here. 🩷❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤎
If it's not safe, and you don't have a "Plan B," don't let a random date on the calendar make you come out without a net. You matter way, way more than an awareness campaign. You're still queer. You still count.
Whether you are out and proud, not quite there yet, or still trying to figure things out, know that there’s a community waiting for you with open arms to love you just as you are. 😘🩷
Much love to all the folks who are using #NationalComingOutDay to proudly proclaim and own their queer selves in a world that remains a dangerous, hostile, and scary place for our kind. I welcome you as my siblings, and I'm here for you in whatever ways I can be. And to folks who must, for whatever reason, remain in the closet: you are valid, you are loved, and I wish nothing but light and joy and safety for you. Hang in there, and I promise you that you'll find your way to where you wish to go.
For #NationalComingOutDay I want to shout out those who can’t or won’t come out due to safety concerns, internal struggles, lack of support, or for any other reason.