The history of the LGBTQIA+ community revolves around supporting and championing all individuals. Recognized annually on October 11, National Coming Out Day reinforces the belief that accepting differences makes us stronger and knowledge drives out the dangers of hate. In celebration of National Coming Out Day, Oaks’ Development & Communication Assistant Orlando Salas shares insight into his experience coming out and how it can help impact others.

Words of Resilience and Acceptance, by Orlando Salas

Walking through this world as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community comes with its own set of unique challenges. You may feel like you have to constantly keep your guard up because other people want to hurt you just for existing. But whenever I see another queer person in my vicinity, I begin to feel safe. It gives me the opportunity to feel at ease because I know I am in the presence of someone else in my community. After all, there is strength in numbers. That is why representation matters. That is why showing pride matters. To me, showing your pride is almost like a superpower. Pride is unapologetically being your true authentic self in a world that makes you feel unwelcomed and constantly tries to bring you down.

Orlando Salas

I feel like society’s expectations and “rules” are like a smoke that lingers and fills my lungs until it suffocates me from living as my authentic self. So how do I get through this smoke? I bring myself to the ground and crawl to safety. I am forced to hide and retreat. At a time, that meant staying in the closet where no one could hurt me for living outside of cultural “norms.” Living as a queer person, I sometimes feel burdened with constantly walking on eggshells to make others feel comfortable. I feel like I’m forced to shrink myself and not take up space. I would watch every word I say to not let it slip out that I’m different, in fear of being persecuted. But when someone shows their pride, it’s as if that smoke dissipates. I feel safe. I am able to pull myself up from the ground and finally take a deep breath of relief. The burden of censoring myself is lifted from my shoulders. I am able to be free and embrace who I am without having to be strategic with the words I say and how they make others feel.

The truth is you are bound to come across people who do not approve of the way you live your life. You can’t force someone to accept you. However, you can choose who to keep in your life and who to keep out.  Surrounding yourself with people who love and support you for who you are is what pride is all about. There is a beautiful community out there that will wipe the tears from your face and embrace you with open arms. Showing pride is important because you never know who is watching or listening. There may be someone in the same room as you that is still struggling with being themselves. Showing your pride may help that person be more comfortable with who they are and guide them on their own path of self-love and acceptance. Coming out is not a destination, but a journey. It takes time to love who you are, so remember to be patient and kind to yourself.

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Making the decision to come out differs from person to person; it is not always an easy decision. While many LGBTQIA+ individuals are known for resiliency and strength in the face of adversity, coming out can be difficult. Oaks Integrated Care is here to help guide you in the process and stand beside all individuals in the conversation. To learn more about Oaks services or to schedule an appointment, call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377 or fill out a contact form.

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