Pride celebrations can act as a reminder of a life they can only fantasize for individuals still in the closet.
The LGBTQ+ community and its allies celebrate 30 days of Pride every year in June. The celebration is to honor those who protested for gay rights against police raids at Stonewall riots in 1969 and promote the inclusive message that “Love is Love” no matter your sexual orientation or identity to the World (Grinberg, 2019).
National Coming Out Day is celebrated every year on October 11th, the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian rights (Guerrero, 2019).
While this day celebrates the act of coming out, it is an opportunity for our LGBTQ+ members to share their own coming out stories in the hopes of empowering and supporting those still finding the courage to do it on their own.
Hazel Saunders aka Shady Haze's Coming Out Story
Coming out can be extremely daunting for any individual. Religion, Age/Generation, Location, and Cultural background are just a few of the many reasons an individual would be hesitant to come out. In addition, coming out can weigh heavily on a person both physically and mentally. The thoughts of potentially losing family and friends or being discriminated against at work, restaurants, or streets can be paralyzing.
Like many Filipinos, Hazel Saunders was raised in a Catholic household that traditionally follows conservative ideas and morals. However, the unwavering support Saunders received from her family allowed her to tune out some of the bullying she received in school from peers.
October is an important month for much more than the LGBTQ+ community. National Coming Out Day takes place during National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. LGBTQ+ people have to face bullying, harassment, and discrimination both in-person and online, leading to higher youth suicide rates.
Individuals must take their journey to come to terms with their sexual orientation or identity before coming out. This process can take weeks, months, or even years to happen, and that is okay. However, having the courage to share a secret with loved ones is life-changing and can only be accomplished when a person has a strong support system behind them.
For more information on National Coming Out Day, visit: https://www.hrc.org/resources/national-coming-out-day
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