Why do we come out on National Coming Out Day?
First and foremost, we come out for ourselves. Coming out is an act motivated by a desire for greater happiness – for living in a more joyful, honest fashion. No one can obligate you to come out in unsafe or uncomfortable circumstances. You are never obligated to tell anyone you don’t want to tell – not your family, friends or loved ones – before you’re ready.
So National Coming Out Day can never be mandatory. Rather, it gives us an opportunity and excuse to radically improve our lives, as soon as we’re ready for it – a day of solidarity and visibility, proof that queer joy is possible. We come out on National Coming Out Day to provide evidence to those whose circumstances may keep them from doing the same, to show them that those circumstances aren’t and cannot be forever.
So consider reading coming out stories from a variety of female authors, the famed Alison Bechdel included (for her works Fun Home, now a major musical, and Are You My Mother?); the manga author Okura, whose series I Think Our Son is Gay explores a son who isn’t quite ready, and the mother who’ll do anything to help him get there; historical confessions from WWII vets who found love in the trenches and among one another; John Paul Brammer’s “wise and charming” ¡Hola Papi! How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons; and many more stories that the Yonkers Public Library has to offer.
Above all: if you want advice, resources or anything else you’d need to come out safely to the people you love, the Library is here for you. We are on your side. Nothing will change that.