Happy National Coming Out Day! Every year on October 11th, we celebrate a day where we decide to be true to ourselves and come out to friends, family, co-workers, and anyone in our lives. It serves as an international day to come out of the closet and discuss lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersexual, and asexual issues. Coming Out is a personal as well as sometimes political/symbolic action on the part of sexual and gender minorities. It is about the public expression of ones identity and the desire to live openly, honestly, and without fear. The coming out process is a difficult one and a life-long journey, it is about being true to yourself as well others.Studies show that people who know queer people are much more likely to be sympathetic to LGBTQ rights. Coming out is indeed an activist step that not only serves to advance the cause of the gay community but also to liberate yourself from living in the shadows and suffering with shame.
Coming out is not easy and should not be dismissed as such, many people spend many years or even decades with the task of debating whether to live honest and open lives. It is not advisable to come out if you face the risk of physical harassment or if you feel your financial status is threatened by being out. If those variables do not apply to you, there are many resources to assist you in the coming out process. Such as great websites, forums, videos, and more.
Resources for Coming Out:
Empty Closets-A forum/chat and resources.
LGBT Center Directory-Find social, political, and support groups in your area.
HRC-Information for coming out as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender.
Coming Out as a Straight Ally-PFLAG's guide for straight allies of LGBTQ people.
The Trevor Project-Free 24 hour hot line suicide prevention and help.
Gay & Lesbian National Hotline-Free telephone and email peer counseling (youth and adult services).
About.com's Gay Life-Articles & information on coming out.
OUT Path-A compilation of coming out stories.
