Today is National Coming Out Day.  To those who are unaware, ‘coming out’ {of the closet} is the self-disclosure of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity (the phrase has been co-opted for other purposes, such as ‘coming out’ as an atheist, but it is typically associated with being LGBT).  For those who are LGBT, ‘coming out of the closet’ is a way of acknowledging to themselves and people around them that they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.  Coming out can be a powerful way for an individual to assert themselves, telling the world that “this is who I am, and I’m proud of it.”  It often sends the message that the individual is not going to hide this aspect of themselves from others and that they are going to share it with the world. It is often an act of empowerment for the individual. Unfortunately, homophobia and transphobia are still all too common. Discrimination and oppression of LGBT people takes on many forms, and occurs across the world.  Coming out of the closet can result in:

• financial, physical, and emotional support withdrawn from loved ones or religious institutions
• homelessness
• denial or termination of a job
• being passed over from career opportunities or advancements
• denial of housing
• bullying and harassment
• lynching, rape, imprisonment, or murder

and so much more.  Coming out of the closet involves a cost/benefit analysis for each individual. Some people are able to come out with little to no repercussions, while others face significant risks, and thus choose to remain in the closet.   I long for the day when the closet is no more; when people will be not be judged on their gender identity or sexual orientation, but rather on the quality of their character…when people can feel free to express themselves and identify as they choose without the threat of bigotry hanging over their heads.