There used to be a billboard along FDR Drive that read: “Our closets may be smaller here, but at least our kids aren’t afraid to come out of them.” At the time, I thought it was a sweet sentiment. However, when I began working with teens a few years down the line and had the privilege of listening to their stories, I saw how some of them–even in NYC–hesitated coming out to family members whom they feared would judge them at best, or kick them out at worst. True, some families were supportive and unconditionally loving, but such an ideal reaction was never guaranteed.
It takes tremendous courage to be true to oneself in a society that profits from our self-doubt (I saw that in meme). When one’s identity doesn’t fit in with the heteronormative expectation, being true to oneself can feel downright dangerous. Finding a community of like-minded others can make all the difference.
I love Pride month because it offers a time and space to celebrate LGBTQIA+ friends and allies. It says, “the struggle is real, but we’ve come this far.” And, as we have witnessed in recent news headlines and recent Supreme Court decisions, there is still a long ways to go when it comes to equal rights and protections of LGBTQIA+ citizens.
One thing that strikes me about NYC teens struggling with the question of when (or if) it would be safe to come out, was that online groups could sometimes be a lifesaver in the interim. Finding virtual friends and community could fill an important void when the people IRL don’t–or won’t–quite get it.
Happy Pride!
Virtually Gina 