If you're from Orlando, or anywhere around the world, I am sure the tragic news of the shooting at Pulse nightclub, a popular gay-club, has made its way to you. This mass act of violence, equal parts horrific, unbelievable and harrowing is not only an Orlando issue, but a global issue. While the story of this is for any human is heart-wrenching and irrevocably tragic, I want to discuss the implications and my advice to the closeted LGBTQ+ community.
I want to begin by saying, I am so sorry. As a member of this wonderful and loving community, I understand that this news has made the already excruciating act of being closeted even more painful. As a closeted teen, I spent my life denying a huge part of my self because of fear. I dreaded any kind of introspection that would lead me on the path to self-discovery. Every piece of news depicting hate and violence toward the LGBTQ+ community only fueled the flame of fear even more. Eventually, I made the decision to tell my close family and friends, and with their support, I gradually opened the door and let myself out. I decided that the best way to help my community was to show no fear, no shame. I needed to be proud of every part of me.
Coming out in my senior year was the scariest thing I've ever done. Coming out in my senior year was the most fulfilling thing I've ever done.
To my LGBTQ+ teens, or those questioning, this anecdote of my journey is in no way telling you to come out, or that being in the closet is bad or shameful. The step of coming out is yours to take, when you feel safe and supported. I am just urging you not to let fear stop you from doing so. Do not let acts of hatred and terror, like that seen at Pulse, keep you from accepting yourself. I know when I was younger, I would've. Scroll through your social media outlets, bask in all those supporting our community and pouring love into the hole this act of violence left. Look at pictures of those at the L.A. Pride Parade, mourning the victims of this tragedy while showing the world that we are not afraid. We will not let acts of violence and hatred quell the love we feel for our community and others. Peruse the #GaysBreakTheInternet hashtag on Instagram and Twitter. Let yourself see others loving themselves, loving each other, revealing that we, and you, are stronger than the hate, than the homophobia, than the violence.
Please, please remember, that you are loved. Whenever you feel you are ready to open up, there is an entire community waiting to accept you with open arms. Fear has no place in our community. We only know love. I may not be speaking for my entire community with this advice, I am only one person, but as part of it, and as a once closeted teen, this is what I would have needed to hear.
Be safe. Be proud. Be yourself.
