KaleidoScot The Northern end of the rainbow
Today is the National Coming Out Day (11 October every year) and is a chance for those of us who are LGBTI to support others to ‘come out’ and be who they are. So we figured that we, KaleidoScot’s writers and contributors, would share out stories with you. We also hope that it would help people in less open communities to make an informed choice to be who they are instead of trying to deny their own nature, and in some extreme cases, take their lives.
Many say the need for things like gay pride parades and National Coming Out Day has passed. However, Stonewall Scotland studies show that up to 41% of LGBT people attempt suicide or contemplated suicide at some point. So it’s still important to stand up and be proud on days like today when there are still people who don’t have access to the real life role models and resources to be safe and happy in who they are.
This is why it seems important for us not to stay silent regarding our sexuality and speaking out against homophobia. Naturally each of our coming out stories, like any person, is unique and right for them. Coming out is a decision that LGBTI people contemplate and see if, when and how its the right time for them to do so.
We hope our stories can contribute to helping understand the diversity of coming out in different contexts and time, and that it could help anyone in their journey.
I came out cuz there was no more room for my clothes or me in my small closet. No I'm not making fun of any one here. I'm really gay I came out in 2000. these stories are great and just what anyone who is not sure about coming out yet should read. Heck If I had them to read when I came out I would have come out sooner.