October 11 marks National Coming Out Day! It’s a day to celebrate 2STLGBQ+ members of our communities. It’s an opportunity for all of us, regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity, to reflect on everyone’s role in making our communities safer and more welcoming for 2STLGBQ+ people.
What is ‘coming out?’
The term is short for coming out of the closet because often times people who are 2STLGBQ+ feel like they are hiding who they truly are. Coming out is when a person acknowledges their identity by sharing it with the people they trust and care about. Coming out may be a deeply personal and emotional process. Coming out is also a personal choice.
If you aren’t ready, or don’t feel like it would be safe to tell someone you do not have to. Sometimes people don’t react well to someone coming out. If this has happened to you know that it is not your fault. You are doing nothing wrong by living openly as your true self. It can be hard to be made to feel unsafe or to hide who we are, so we would suggest reaching out for support. Phone lines can be a great option because you don’t have to tell them who you are, but they will still listen and support you. Here’s some ones we like
- Kids Help Phone – Offers support through txt, online chat and by phone
- Trans Life Line -Peer run support line
