Open Thread: National Coming Out Day

Jim Burroway

October 11th, 2008

Today is the twentieth annual National Coming Out Day. It’s not just a day to encourage people to come out to their friends and neighbors, but it’s also a day to encourage allies to come out as well.

Come on out, and tell us a little about yourself. When did you come out? And if you haven’t, what kind of barriers do you face in coming out? And if you’re out, is there anyone you still aren’t out to yet?

neil h.

October 11th, 2008

I’m a middle aged, middle class, middle of the road straight man, and I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my gay and lesbian friends. Good luck and best wishes to anyone coming out today!

Priya Lynn

October 11th, 2008

Thanks Neil!

JT

October 11th, 2008

Came out to my friends in college in December 1996, but at that point I came out in the sense of “I’m gay and need you to pray for me to be healed of this affliction.” It was the single most frightening thing I’d ever done, even more than a near-fatal car accident. When I came out to my parents in April of 2002, I was in a much better place. The Christian counselor I went to to “cure” myself actually helped me control my depression and self-image issues and learn to accept who I really was and to be happy with myself. There are fun little moments every now and then when someone new figures out that I’m gay and I confirm it. “But you’re so, I mean, really?” My only regret is that I can’t be out at work now. I teach in South Carolina and my job would be on the line. Without ENDA, I’m stuck in the closet professionally. I think a push for ENDA would be a perfect October movement, in celebration of NCOD.

Lynn David

October 11th, 2008

Coming out is a matter of one’s own personal honor and respect.

It’s an act of sanity.

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