This year, National Coming Out Day happened to line up with Terminology Tuesday. It is also Beneath The Identity’s one year anniversary. I’m going to use this opportunity to talk about what National Coming Out Day is.
National Coming Out Day is a day in the LGBTQ+ community originally started as a day geared toward increasing visibility and fighting stereotypes.
Regarding this day and what it stands for, I want to make two important points:
1. Coming out is not necessary
If you don’t want to come out, or you aren’t ready to come out, that is 100% okay. You are still you, and you are still valid. Coming out can be extremely difficult, and you shouldn’t feel forced into it if you aren’t up to it.
2. Coming out is not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community
There are so many identities in the world. Coming out doesn’t need to just be for this community. All identities are valid, and no one should feel like they aren’t included.
There is also this idea in the community that allies and those who identify as straight shouldn’t come out as such. Personally, I disagree, as long as it isn’t done mockingly. I think coming out as an ally is extremely important to the community. It lets those of us in the community know who is definitely a safe person we can go to. I think coming out as straight, though not as vital as coming out as an ally, can be beneficial as well. It puts us on more of an equal level. And I think that’s important.
No matter how you spend today, I want you to remember:
You are valid. You matter, you are valid, and you are not alone.
Stay safe friends.
