national coming out day
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has declared “Talk About It” the theme for this year’s National Coming Out Day on Wednesday, October 11, 2006. Coming out is a lifelong process and each coming out opportunity posses the question of whether it will be a positive or negative experience. Being out certainly makes it easier to be ourselves and build stronger relationships with the people in our lives, but it can also lead to discrimination and rejection. Only you know when coming out is right for you. The HRC has compiled the following list of benefits and risks for you to consider when you are deciding whether to come out or stay in the closet. Visit www.hrc.org for more information.
The benefits of coming out:
- Living an open and whole life.
- Developing closer, more genuine relationships.
- Building self-esteem from being known and loved for who we really are.
- Reducing the stress of hiding our identity.
- Connecting with others who are GLBT.
- Being part of a strong and vibrant community.
- Helping to dispel myths and stereotypes about who GLBT people are and what our lives are like.
- Becoming a role model for others.
- Making it easier for younger GLBT people who will follow in our footsteps.
The risks of coming out:
- Not everyone will be understanding or accepting.
- Family, friends or co-workers may be shocked, confused or even hostile.
- Some relationships may permanently change.
- We may experience harassment or discrimination.
- Some young people, especially those under age 18, may be thrown out of their homes or lose financial support from parents.