National Coming Out Day: What We Celebrate and What "Coming Out" Means, Individually and Socially
October 11, 2022 we celebrate National Coming Out Day. It was first Observed on October 11, 1988, on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It is a reminder of one of the most basic tools of power and empowerment which is to come out. Coming out as LGBTQ+ still matters as it is important to share our stories, narrate our own lives, and be authentic to ourselves. With authenticity in mind, there are some things to consider regarding “coming out” as this can be a process and not a once and done thing. Sometimes the word “journey” has been utilized to provide context that there can be the coming out with orientation, gender identity, or both present during this process. Further, it is important to recognize today that coming out may range for individuals as something more private such as finding one thing to be authentic to the self to telling the safest person in your life or to a full disclosure to friends, family, or other social circles/media platforms. Care to self and by trusted support needs to be taken as it is not always felt as safe to come out. Others may be fully prepared to come out or be out and proud to share to all and have found or already possess their safe people.
Intersectionality is an integral factor in decision making regarding coming out, due to all of us having various aspects of the self we hold dear. This can be family, friend groups, religious/spiritual affiliations, cultural identities, and other related connections incorporated within the sense of our overall identity. Although a very important aspect is our overall sexual identity, this is only one aspect. Some are concerned with losing family, friends, community support, or even safety. There is a vibrant support network within the LGBTQ+ communities and we may want to connect there, but we may also desire to remain part of another community that is important to us. This is why each journey is unique, personal, and individualized. We need to honor them all in solidarity and support of one another. We need to honor the individual and very personal journeys in coming out and what that means for someone walking this process. Thank you to all that have already paved the way for us. We also honor you!
Please know you are supported and it is understood that you may need time to pace this process for yourself. We at Sun Point Wellness support whatever this journey process may mean to you and want to ensure you feel safe emotionally, cognitively, spiritually, and physically in all aspects of your life. If we are chosen to be that safe space, we welcome and thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey.
Jessica W. Weiss, PhD, LCSW, CCTP
