Friday, October 13, 2017
National Coming Out Day takes place on October 11th, the anniversary of the March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The day was founded in 1988 as a celebration of coming out and a day to promote LGBTQ+ visibility. Since then, the holiday has spread across the states and to countries outside the U.S., and the week of October 11th has been designated as National Coming Out Week.
We asked some of the OutWrite staff for their thoughts on National Coming Out Week, and on coming out in general.
“Although proclaiming my gayness was kind of terrifying, it took a lot of pressure off of me. After coming out, I felt far less obligated to conform to society’s heteronormative expectations, and now I’m more able to shape my own identity.” – Brandon Nash, Content Editor
“I’m here, I’m queer, now let’s make one thing clear: I was only in the closet because society put me in there and held the door shut, and now, the only reason I’m ‘out’ is because everyone opened their minds and let me out. I’ve just been trying to be me this whole time, would you look at that…?” – Angel Coronado, Staff Writer
“I was blind drunk at USC, told my friend I was asexual, she said “Don’t worry, you’re not.” like… ?? but I am. Another time, slightly tipsy, I told my mom and she paused and then said “Well I still hope you find someone to take care of you” which was better but I’m still not sure if my point got across.” – JCao, Graphics
“Coming out is different for everyone so do it at your own pace! Baby steps…” – Andrew Hall, Editor in Chief
“Coming Out Week is an odd phenomenon in that I actually come out every day to anyone who’s expecting me to fit their instinctual hetero-normative judgment. I’m not going to be waving a rainbow flag this week any more than I normally do. Which, to be honest, is often. So, happy Coming Out Eternity! Go punch a Nazi in celebration!” – Shayna, Managing Editor
“Being Questioning for a solid 4 years made coming out weird for me – what would I come out as? what if I ended up being straight? – but ultimately, sexuality is fluid, so it’s not a big deal if you change your mind later on. And Questioning is a part of the LGBTQ+ community! If you’re Questioning and worried, just know that the rest of the community has got your back.” – Sarah Jensen, Copy Chief
“Coming out was terrifying to me, but now that I’m out, I do it all the time. I don’t mind having to constantly come out to new people – it’s tiring, but it’s almost like a self-affirmation. I value myself and my identity, and that’s what’s important. Also, it makes for fun Instagram posts.” – Rosie, Staff Writer
“Happy Coming Out Week! It’s like Pride Part Two! Let’s celebrate by loving our gay selves and each other, no matter if we’re out to the world, or our siblings, or our cat, or our gender studies discussion group, or just ourselves. Yay gays!” – Siobhán Chapman, Developmental Editor
We at OutWrite wish you all a happy Coming Out Day, Week, Month, and Lifetime!