For most of my life, I knew I was attracted to both men and women. Sexuality is something that I feel everyone struggles with or questions at least once in their life, whether you’re straight or otherwise; it’s fluid. I was never someone who was in denial of my sexuality, however, that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a hard time fully understanding and accepting who I was. It was a whole process and learning experience for me to see who truly cared for me and who I had to let go in my life in order to become the person I wanted to be. Coming out allowed me to develop myself as an individual and stop feeling as though I were living a double life; it freed me from the fear of being outed and judged, which was the root of much of my anxiety in much of my teen years. Lying about your identity to the people you are closest to isn’t fun…. at all- it’s like hiding that you’re a superhero that just saved the world, or a secret agent or something of the sort. You want to tell everyone, but fear they might think of you differently. But all in all, you shouldn’t live in fear, as that’s no way to live your life.
Below, I have listed the reasons why coming out is a beautiful process that you need to embrace fully.
**Note: Always make sure you are in a safe environment to come out. If you are in harm’s way, do not do so and seek out a group you can confide in! Stay strong. (Resources down below)****
Coming out will empower those who can’t or are too afraid to. The LGBTQ+ community is one that I am truly proud of being a part of due to the overwhelming amounts of support that I have received and the friendships I have made.
In times like these, coming out is a political act. In a world where antigay policies are being enforced daily, you are raising awareness for the entire cause by simply accepting who you are and who so many people around you are. Coming out also respects the works of many LGBTQ+ activists before you.
Coming out will give you your most honest picture of life. It will align you onto the right path with the right people who will make your life as special as it deserves to be. They will support you and you will support them endlessly.
It will help you measure your strength. Coming out is to this day one of the hardest things I have ever done. If you can do this, you can do anything.
You will learn that other people’s opinions truly have nothing to do with you. People can kiss your a** if they don’t like who you are.
No one cares as much as you do. Oftentimes, you’re your own worst enemy and people will love you any way you are.
You will finally be authentically you.
You can finally live your life freely.
Anxieties will ease.
Most importantly, YOLO ;)
Always remember, regardless of who you are or how you identify, you’re totally kick-ass and amazing just as you are and were made to be! Embrace the superhero that you are and kick down that closet door; it’s no fun living in there alone.
LGBTQ+ Hotlines/ Resources:
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The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386, https://thetrevorproject.org
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Gay Straight Alliance: https://gsanetwork.org/
- It Gets Better Project: https://itgetsbetter.org/
- Q Chat Space: https://www.qchatspace.org/
- Pride: https://www.pride.com/