I know I’m probably late to this but…. HAPPY BELATED NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY!! I feel though even though the official day past, it’s still something that is happening all over the world where people are finding the courage to come out as their true selves. This topic has so many feelings and emotions attached to it because of its vast amount of stories and many outcomes . Some are sad / tragic or some are happy / wonderful and can be made into a movie. Coming out is something that some people think is just a one day thing but it is something that happens on a daily basis to a great amount of people who will react in different ways.
When you’re in the “Closet” it sometimes causes some anxiety and makes you feel like the smallest things get transformed into the biggest deal. But after you leave the “Closet” and you think back to those memories and times you realized your anxiety just blinded you from seeing the truth. Also, after coming out, you realize how much of a weight has been lifted from your shoulders and how crazy you were during the time and to some they say it is the best decision they made and they don’t regret it at all.
But one thing that can be said is that when it comes to LGBTQ sexual health lessons and dating it has been a very taboo topic that has been hidden from generations and is still something schools and parents refuse to talk about with today’s youth. This is also why a lot ofLGBTQ individuals who are in today’s society attractsexually transmitted diseases and end up in toxic relationships. Also, now there are many alternative platforms and steps that can help these individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS and medications that can help to prevent the transmission of these diseases. Another thing that some forget is that just because they identify in this community doesn’t mean that have to wear or portray the label that are projected onto them. One example is the Gay Best Friend or “GBF” label that a lot of people try to force upon these individuals and this can be demeaning and can make someone feel like an object instead of a person. Also these GBF only title to these other individuals should just be friends.
But one this people to remember who are planning on coming out is that, just because it may be National Coming Out Day doesn’t mean they should feel any pressure or need to make the day to come out if they aren’t ready. It is still their story and it is something that only they will know when the time is right. Also, they have all the power with this and they make the circumstances for when it comes out and it is no one’s place to expose this bit of information because it doesn’t involve them.
For the loved ones of today and future LGBTQ individuals, remember that this doesn’t change anything about them and they are still the same person you love and remember and this is not going to change anything. Also, this is something that cant be changed because they were born this way and it wasn’t something that was learned. To try to change them is like trying to change their eye color, like sure, they can wear color contacts but that will just cover up the truth and that part of them will still be there. At this time they may just need some support because this is something that takes great courage. They just need your support and love at this moment and time, so just focus on why you love them and what made them special to you.
The term “coming out” doesn’t necessarily have to do with just the LGBTQ community, it can also involve coming out as a truer version of yourself that is more authentic. You can come out as a science nerd or you can come out as a comic book nerd. I feel like that is why this day is so special and should be celebrated world wide by not only the LGBTQ community but also the heterosexual community who have an identity that they want to surface. This is something I know everyone can relate to because, as I said in my last article, our stories are always changing and that is why I think everyone can participate in and celebrate too because it is something that doesn’t discriminate.