National Coming Out Day

Today is national Coming Out Day, and the Daily Dose has a question: Can you handle it? If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, are you ready to come out to someone you trust? And if you're straight, can you handle sharing the country with someone unlike yourself?

It's going to take both to narrow the cultural divide of a nation that pledges to be indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Coming Out Day has its roots in the historic March on washing for Lesbian and Gay Rights on Oct. 11, 1987, when half a million people demonstrated in the capital and the AIDS memorial quilt was unveiled. Closet doors were flung open for many people on that day, and in its wake dozens of support organization have been founded and resources established.



Be Open. The person coming out has to know they may be setting up their friend, colleague, or family member for a surprise. The initial response of a straight person, even an accepting one, may very well be confused, concerned or awkward. Be open to an emotional reaction.

Be spirited. A religious upbringing may have instilled the belief that homosexuality is wrong or immoral. Explore the text and histories of the faith on your own so you can challenge misinformed assertions knowledgeably.

Be honest. Coming out is an act of trust. The LGBT person has to be genuine about revealing their true self - and about allowing time for acceptance. The straight person, in turn, should be sensitive and respectful but also honest about expressing concerns, needing time or asking dumb questions.

Be counted. "Come out. Vote." Is the motto for this year's National Coming Out Day. Learn the positions and voting history of congressional and presidential candidates, and tell them what you believe with your votes.

Can you handle it?

Repost Source: Living.MSN