It's a beautiful Friday morning here on Fire Island. I just ran on the beach from Ocean Beach to Atlantique, and I am enjoying my first cup of coffee while listening to NPR. And so begins the 10th anniversary of my coming out.
Things have obviously changed from that dreary Sunday morning in May 2001 that I acknowledged who I am for the first time while writing in my journal at the Bristol Laundromat in Bristol, New Hampshire. I am nearly 30-years-old, I am able to share my life with a wonderful man, I am an uncle and I am blessed to have the opportunity to work on one of the world's most beautiful beaches. I am largely comfortable with who I have become.
As a journalist who covers LGBT issues, the so-called Coming Out Industry largely bores me. The past few months, however, have reminded me time and time again that acknowledging one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression can sometimes carry great personal risk. I remain forever grateful to those family and friends who continue to accept me as the gay man I am.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Coming out, 10 years later
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2 comments:
Here's to many more years of living an authentic life! And what better place to be contemplating authenticity than Fire Island?
It's hard not to take it for granted at times, but it's still a big step for many people, of all ages. In many ways it's more about the courage to stand out publicly as unconventional and representative of the diversity of people. Your acknowledgment inspired me that week in May and you continue to be inspirational to this day. ~ Adam
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