The Importance of National Coming Out Day
Oct. 12th, 2010 09:27 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
alee_grrlWhy is National Coming Out Day important?
Because for many it provides a human face for what some might otherwise just consider a faceless minority. Because it reminds people that there are many people of all walks of life that make up an increasingly interconnected world. We can go so much farther and reach so many more goals by working together than against each other.
Because for some it is a welcome reminder that they are not alone in this world. Despite the increased interconnectivity of our world, it is very easy to feel alone. The world can be a terrifying and dark place, and National Coming Out Day is a chance for us all to shine some light in the shadows.
My name is A. Lee, and I am many things: a lesbian, a pagan, a survivor, a creator, a first year law student, a returned peace corps volunteer. I know from first hand experience how painful bullying and hateful behavior can be. I spent the majority of my childhood and adolescence in rural Louisiana. If you can think of something hateful, I've probably heard it directed at me. There are some scars my soul will always bear. I wasn't able to admit that I was a lesbian until I was 24, and it took another five years before I was truly comfortable with the idea.
Being at peace with yourself is an ongoing journey for all of us, regardless of orientation. It is a twisting path fraught with potholes and shrouded in shadows, but we can help each other out along the way. We can shine our own lights on each others journeys. Please join us today is spreading the light of tolerance.
Because for many it provides a human face for what some might otherwise just consider a faceless minority. Because it reminds people that there are many people of all walks of life that make up an increasingly interconnected world. We can go so much farther and reach so many more goals by working together than against each other.
Because for some it is a welcome reminder that they are not alone in this world. Despite the increased interconnectivity of our world, it is very easy to feel alone. The world can be a terrifying and dark place, and National Coming Out Day is a chance for us all to shine some light in the shadows.
My name is A. Lee, and I am many things: a lesbian, a pagan, a survivor, a creator, a first year law student, a returned peace corps volunteer. I know from first hand experience how painful bullying and hateful behavior can be. I spent the majority of my childhood and adolescence in rural Louisiana. If you can think of something hateful, I've probably heard it directed at me. There are some scars my soul will always bear. I wasn't able to admit that I was a lesbian until I was 24, and it took another five years before I was truly comfortable with the idea.
Being at peace with yourself is an ongoing journey for all of us, regardless of orientation. It is a twisting path fraught with potholes and shrouded in shadows, but we can help each other out along the way. We can shine our own lights on each others journeys. Please join us today is spreading the light of tolerance.
