You know, I used to think that National Coming Out Day was kind of a stupid idea. I mean, who wants to stand up with a badge on to label themselves? I've always been more of a "live and let live-- just be who you are" kind of person. Don't hide who you are, but there's no need to play the bi/gay card just for the sake of attention or edge.
I myself never formally came out to my parents. My sister 'outed' me, even though it was something that was known, but just not spoken about in the family. There was a brief, awkward conversation about how they supported gay marriage, and then it was Never Spoken Of Again. It's easier for them that way, and it's their limitation, not mine. I have, however, come out to other family members, friends, and partners. I think that of all the people I've known, only one or two has had any problem with my sexual orientation. Still, there's always that moment of uncertainty-- the fear of rejection. The worry that so and so will just think you're trying to be 'trendy.' Coming out can be a risky thing, and I've been extremely lucky on the whole.
In our current political climate, though, I think it's becoming more and more clear that visibility is key. The right-wingers in congress and in the White House are hell-bent on portraying people in the GLBTQ community as depraved freaks, and if they get their way, not only will we lose the fight for equal rights, but we'll lose what precious rights we've won thus far.
Visibility is important-- it shows our neighbors that we're not just a big rainbow-colored stereotype, but people, and that we're everywhere. Visibility comes in many forms. Yes, it can mean Pride parades. It can mean holding hands in public. But it can also mean a simple acknowledgement instead of flying under the radar of assumed straightness. I think that more than anything, that helps. It shows that we're normal, just like everybody else.
We're in the cubicle next to you. We're taking your orders at restaurants, we're volunteering for charity, we're holding the door for the person behind us, we're browsing the same bookshelves and shopping at the same stores. We are not an Other. We deserve equal rights.
So, in the spirit of visibility, even though I'm pretty sure it's obvious by now, I'm joining in the chorus to say that I am a bisexual woman. I am queer. I am not an Other. I deserve equal rights-- particularly the right to marry whichever consenting adult I choose, regardless of gender.
Happy Coming Out Day, and massive hugs to anyone who might be coming out for the first time today.
_________________
On a personal note, I have two interviews in one tomorrow. I'm interviewing for two positions within the same company. Should be interesting.
I myself never formally came out to my parents. My sister 'outed' me, even though it was something that was known, but just not spoken about in the family. There was a brief, awkward conversation about how they supported gay marriage, and then it was Never Spoken Of Again. It's easier for them that way, and it's their limitation, not mine. I have, however, come out to other family members, friends, and partners. I think that of all the people I've known, only one or two has had any problem with my sexual orientation. Still, there's always that moment of uncertainty-- the fear of rejection. The worry that so and so will just think you're trying to be 'trendy.' Coming out can be a risky thing, and I've been extremely lucky on the whole.
In our current political climate, though, I think it's becoming more and more clear that visibility is key. The right-wingers in congress and in the White House are hell-bent on portraying people in the GLBTQ community as depraved freaks, and if they get their way, not only will we lose the fight for equal rights, but we'll lose what precious rights we've won thus far.
Visibility is important-- it shows our neighbors that we're not just a big rainbow-colored stereotype, but people, and that we're everywhere. Visibility comes in many forms. Yes, it can mean Pride parades. It can mean holding hands in public. But it can also mean a simple acknowledgement instead of flying under the radar of assumed straightness. I think that more than anything, that helps. It shows that we're normal, just like everybody else.
We're in the cubicle next to you. We're taking your orders at restaurants, we're volunteering for charity, we're holding the door for the person behind us, we're browsing the same bookshelves and shopping at the same stores. We are not an Other. We deserve equal rights.
So, in the spirit of visibility, even though I'm pretty sure it's obvious by now, I'm joining in the chorus to say that I am a bisexual woman. I am queer. I am not an Other. I deserve equal rights-- particularly the right to marry whichever consenting adult I choose, regardless of gender.
Happy Coming Out Day, and massive hugs to anyone who might be coming out for the first time today.
_________________
On a personal note, I have two interviews in one tomorrow. I'm interviewing for two positions within the same company. Should be interesting.
17 comments | Leave a comment
grateful