Everyone has a secret. Whether you broke your mother’s vase on Christmas or you have an obsession with One Direction, everybody keeps secrets. However, around 15% of the world population has a secret that requires the very common action of “coming out”. 15% of the world population is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
When someone first realizes they are a part of the LGBT+ community, it is extremely rare for that person to let their family and friends know right away. For most people, it takes a long time for them to open up to others because they are experimenting with their sexuality and trying to find who they truly are.
It is sometimes hard to understand why someone, who is gay, would want to be open about their sexuality. Believe it or not, there are many reasons to why coming out is extremely important.
One major reason to why coming out matters revolves around safety. Many family members, friends, and peers struggle to accept people in the LGBT+ community. In many cases, parents have kicked their gay children out of their homes leaving them homeless and alone. Friendships are neglected and torn apart over individual differences because being gay is seen as abnormal and unusual in some communities.
In the past, being gay has been considered a crime and a sin. Therefore, many people in the LGBT+ community don’t want to come out in fear of physical harm. In some countries, labeling yourself as gay or representing the gay community is punishable by jail time or even the death penalty.
Even though coming out may seem terrifying, people in the LGBT+ community reveal their sexuality in order to secure their safety. By making their sexuality known, many gay people are able to find help through family, therapists, or help centers/hotlines. To put it simply, it’s hard to find safety in yourself and your community without making it known that you need help.
Coming out is a huge step in many people’s lives and takes a lot of courage to do so. For many teenagers, coming out seems nearly impossible. Many people of the LGBT+ community come out of the closet to show kids and adults, that it is okay to be open about your sexuality.
For example, when celebrities like Troye Sivan, Neil Patrick Harris, and Ellen Degeneres came out about their sexuality, they inspired many other hopefuls to be open about their sexuality. Coming out shows that the LGBT+ community is powerful and most importantly accepting of others; gay, straight, bisexual, or transgender.
Most importantly, many individuals come out just for self-satisfaction. The sense of freedom you feel from being open about your sexuality is an indescribable feeling. In many cases, gay people are coming out for themselves. Coming out provides a sense of confidence and security in yourself that can’t be obtained by bottling up your feelings inside. in fear of not being accepted, too many people put on a “mask” and act differently. Coming out allows people to live their lives the way they want to and act like their true selves.
Being open about your sexuality provides many benefits in addition to feeling secure in yourself. By coming out, you are able to go to gay clubs/bars without feeling judged. You are able to make new friends or even meet the love of your life. You are able to walk with confidence and speak louder and fearlessly. You are finally able to be honest with yourself and feel true happiness. You are finally able to be who you truly are.
It is also very important to remember that coming out isn’t always the best choice for everyone. No one should feel obligated or pressured to come out to their family and friends. If coming out results in physical or emotional harm, maybe it is not the best choice at the time. If coming out makes you feel uncomfortable or worse, don’t feel required to speak out about your sexuality. Coming out will be really worth it if you are in a safe place and are ready to be open about your sexuality. In conclusion, coming out only matters if it matters to the person themselves.
Overall, coming out is important. Whether you choose to come out or not, every LGBT person will achieve happiness and self-security in their own way. What we want to convey is, no matter what you choose to do, make sure to love yourself. Love yourself so much you feel like your heart could burst. Be smart and make the right decisions for yourself, not for anyone else. In the wise words of Ru-Paul, “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love somebody else?”
Why do you think coming out matters? Tweet us @CelebMix with your thoughts and opinions. Just remember- love is love, and love will always win.