Today is National Coming Out Day, and I Support You!

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You may have heard that today (Tuesday, October 11) is National Coming Out Day. If not, now you know.

Someone, somewhere, is contemplating taking one of the biggest steps of their lives in coming out of the closet as Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender or Questioning. Perhaps that someone could be you. If you’re thinking about it, let me share a little bit of encouragement.

When I was very young, I had gay family members. I knew what they went through in the 80s, and 90s, at a much later time in my life. But as a kid, I didn’t have a clue. All I knew is that they loved me, and I loved them, and we were one big happy family. That was reassuring to me, when later in my teenage years, I began to start understanding myself. I felt different, and I wasn’t sure why.

At age 16, I figured it out. I spoke to family, I spoke to close friends. I confided my very big secret with them, and they repaid with me with an ear to listen, a caring heart to help me understand, and most of all, support when I decided to tell the world who I really was.

To say that everything turns out perfect would be a lie. Yes, I certainly had people who didn’t understand what I was going through, or why coming out was important. Sometimes those people can be your own family members. Is it heartbreaking? Is it difficult? Absolutely. Is it a step in the right direction to live as your true self? 100% yes. And to feel 100%, you’ve got to take a step. Big or small.

I’d like to give you or someone you know a little advice when you do decide that coming out of the closet is right for you, and it is the right time to do so. Take a look at your circle of people you trust and love, and trust and love you. Begin your journey with their support first. It makes the steps to come out so much easier. Their support will provide affirmation for your decision, and a place to turn to if things don’t always go as planned. They’ll also be a voice of reason when emotions get the best of you. And, they too can help those who don’t agree or understand your coming out so the burden is not left to you and you alone.

If you have questions, if you need help, or if you just need someone to speak to, you have at least one person you know: Me. Shoot me an email at zack@983thecoast.com. Your email is confidential. Please know that no matter your age or sexuality, you are also welcome to contact my friends at the OutCenter in Benton Harbor. They are online at www.outcenter.org, and are even staffed with a drop-in center in the Arts District. They’ve also got a great Teen Pride program. Their help and support is free.

Coming out is a big decision, but you can’t do it without support. I support you!

– Zack

L-R, Zack's Dad Dennis, Brothers Dan and Mike, Mother Rosemarie, Brother David, Zack.
L-R, Zack’s Dad Dennis, Brothers Dan and Mike, Mother Rosemarie, Brother David, Zack.

H/T: My good friend Rob Sparks from Channel 95.7 Grand Rapids. His inspiration lead me to publish my own story so that I could affect change in my community. If you are a DJ somewhere else in the country, consider posting your own story to your listeners (or TV viewers, newspaper readers, etc). You never know who will be touched.