10/11/2021
National Coming Out Day!
My journey was not great but has had some great moments.
I'm an only child. Disowned and estranged from my family until 2017 when they needed my help because my dad was dying.
With my partner for 30 years and legally married for 7 - we've had super high highs and bottom of the barrel lows and everything in between.
I lost friends to HIV in the late 80's and 90's and have celebrated positive friends long lives because of better treatment and care.
I've been denied housing and employment because of my identity and I've lived in some incredibly supportive communities and worked along side great people because of my identity.
I believe we never really stop 'coming out' regardless of sexual identity, because we are living, growing, creatures. There is always more to discover about ourselves and others. Our needs, values, and priorities shift over our lives, we may outgrow things and people only to find we return to them later.
Wherever you are in your journey I wish you ease, strength, and support.
I'm a cycling fan. Sometimes we need to ride full speed downward in order to climb the hill in front of us easier. I think coming out - living as your authentic self is like that - there are ups and downs, thrills and sorrows but it's your ride to make what you want out of it.