Spring Break
On National Coming Out Day, out is in
Nick Arntsen
Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: Commentary
Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. Established in 1988 by Robert Eichberg and Jean O'Leary, National Coming Out Day is a day of celebration and liberation within the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community. It stands as a hallmark of the gay rights movement by increasing the visibility of the queer community, most notably by advocating the acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is a day when people proclaim a sexual or gender identity, or 'come out,' to family, friends, and most importantly themselves.
As a gay man, I write to every young man and woman who fears vocalizing his or her true identity. I, too, feared the day I would come out to my family and friends as a gay man. The risk of estrangement from family and friends kept me buried in my own inner turmoil. But, unknown to me, when I ultimately decided to come out, there was a large and supportive community that awaited me. My concern that people would abandon relationships with me never materialized. If anything, I gained a greater number of friends through the experience. Additionally, coming out gave me a new perspective of how much our world is changing, of how much people are becoming more and more accepting of diversity. I write to say that coming out can and will be one of the most liberating acts an individual can accomplish.
Sam Arvidson, a 3rd-semester history and economics double major, said "Coming out is important because it symbolizes when a person accepts themselves and starts the process in having others accept them for who [he or she] really [is]."
Essentially, coming out is an excellent way for an individual to say, "I'm ready"- ready to live a life in which the person can truly be happy in his or her identity.
For those who question their sexual identities, tomorrow encourages an atmosphere of self-discovery. It is okay to explore one's sexuality and identity. It is a day where many people can find sincere comfort in the fact that they are not alone out there. There is, and will always be, a GLBT network of support willing to help. For every man or woman that reads these words while questioning his or her own identity, there is likely another person nearby doing the same.
As a gay man, I write to every young man and woman who fears vocalizing his or her true identity. I, too, feared the day I would come out to my family and friends as a gay man. The risk of estrangement from family and friends kept me buried in my own inner turmoil. But, unknown to me, when I ultimately decided to come out, there was a large and supportive community that awaited me. My concern that people would abandon relationships with me never materialized. If anything, I gained a greater number of friends through the experience. Additionally, coming out gave me a new perspective of how much our world is changing, of how much people are becoming more and more accepting of diversity. I write to say that coming out can and will be one of the most liberating acts an individual can accomplish.
Sam Arvidson, a 3rd-semester history and economics double major, said "Coming out is important because it symbolizes when a person accepts themselves and starts the process in having others accept them for who [he or she] really [is]."
Essentially, coming out is an excellent way for an individual to say, "I'm ready"- ready to live a life in which the person can truly be happy in his or her identity.
For those who question their sexual identities, tomorrow encourages an atmosphere of self-discovery. It is okay to explore one's sexuality and identity. It is a day where many people can find sincere comfort in the fact that they are not alone out there. There is, and will always be, a GLBT network of support willing to help. For every man or woman that reads these words while questioning his or her own identity, there is likely another person nearby doing the same.
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