So I celebrated my 10th Anniversary of coming out this year.
I came out in 2009.
Now, back then I thought I came out like this:
But now reflecting back (and for those of you who know me) it was probably more accurate of this:
Cest la vie.
My journey is one of a million who have had to step into a vulnerable space to come out. And let’s not kid ourselves. Coming out is not a one and done sort of situation. With every introduction or new person we meet, we come out.
For me, National Coming Out Day is a day that makes me pause to reflect on how far I’ve come in understanding my true self. It reminds me to be authentic and genuine. It reminds me the strength we hold having to come out with every new individual we meet.
It is also a humbling reminder that, while I had the ability to come out, many do not.
It reminds me that we have work to do people.
Yes, today is a day to celebrate. But also, consider what we are celebrating. We are celebrating a practice of having overcome oppression, hate and shame in order to be a full authentic person.
I mean, we shouldn’t be holding SCOTUS cases on whether we as LGBTQIA humans have rights and protections. We shouldn’t have people being killed for who they are. There shouldn’t be a disproportionate number of homeless teens who identify as LGBTQIA. But because this is where we are in society, we need to openly celebrate coming out and thus the need for today.
I don’t think I really have an end thought for today’s post. But rather more a charge to not just celebrate coming out, but consider celebrating strength today.
Strength of those who have come out and the strength of those who still have/can not come out.
Thanks for celebrating and reflecting with me today on my 10th NCOD with me!
Until next time
Peace, Love and Pandas!
Hello World, Its Me, Brian 