🏳️🌈 National Coming Out Day 🏳️🌈
LGBTIQ+ Rights Are ON THE BALLOT ☞ VOTE! This is a FAMILY too! 🏳️🌈
October 11 is National Coming Out Day.
This is a time for us to raise awareness about what it means to come out–even with the significant policy gains in recent years, lived equality remains elusive for many LGBTIQ+ people.
While many LGBTIQ+ people of color are finding more acceptance from family and community; living at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities creates unique barriers to access. As LGBTIQ+ people of color, we face additional hurdles that keep us from being able to come out and be safe and authentic in our everyday lives.
As Beryl “BJ” Jones, an older Black lesbian puts it, “I’m African American. I’m gay, and I live in a highly Caucasian community, and I must be able to operate, or at least function in all of those”. Often finding support, resources, and acceptance in LGBTIQ+organizations or organizations in communities of color can be extremely challenging to navigate.
For so many reasons, this day is loaded with complicated emotions. On one end of the spectrum, coming out is often an acceptance of self, a declaration of freedom, and an unapologetic statement that you are who you are, and proud of it.
On the other end, for lots of Black queer and TGNCI folks, coming out is terrifying. Depending on your situation, being out just isn't safe. So many of us are in living environments that are not supportive and affect our mental health. In many parts of the country and abroad, being outed, or coming out is a catalyst for violence and can cost you your life. This year alone we've lost almost 40 of our Black trans sisters to senseless violence.
Today we honor those who can’t come out, or choose not to. Folks who are protecting themselves at all costs, and finding joy no matter what. We see you.
So, come out today, or never, or whenever you are ready. But remember, you are never alone.
#DemsAbroad #GlobalBlackCaucus #VoteFromAbroad #BlackVotesMatter #BlackLivesMatter #BlackTransLivesMatter #Vote #BlueWave #NationalComingOutDay #NotAlone #LGBTIQPeopleOfColor #Pride #TogetherWeStand #ComingOut