25 Years Of National Coming Out Day

I came out publicly four years ago today.  It was one of the greatest weights to be lifted from my chest.

Never be afraid to be yourself.  Pretending to be someone else takes a lot of energy that could be spent enjoying your life.

Today Is National Coming Out Day

If there is someone in your life you could safely tell, today would make a great excuse to break the ice.

I publicly came out two years ago today, in an article on this site.  I firmly believe that you should never be forced to come out of the closet.  You should only do so when you are at a point in your life where you feel safe and secure enough to do so.  (I was 34 when I came out.)

On a personal note, coming out was the most freeing feeling I have had in my life.  It was as if a two ton weight had been lifted from my chest.  Your life changes so dramatically once you're out.  It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Be safe, and remember:  Whether you them or not, there are millions of people supporting you.

National Coming Out Day

Today is National Coming Out Day in the United States.  It's tomorrow in the U.K.  I came out to the world a year ago today, and you wouldn't believe the size of the closet I was in.  For more than a decade, I lived a life of lies and denial that nearly destroyed my life.

Today can be the first day of a new life for you.  Take the first step.  Leave a comment, even if it's anonymous, and say I'm ______________.   You'll be surprised how good it feels to say it out loud.  When I finally came out, it was like coming up for air when I had almost drowned.

Have courage.  Have pride.