hello! it's national coming out day! this holiday means a lot to me but I'd like to start with this:

No one should feel pressured to come out if they aren't ready. if it isn't safe, if it just doesn't feel comfortable, for WHATEVER reason. Coming out is not a requirement

I started coming out when I was 15/16. for me, this was something that made me feel good because telling people about this part of myself made me feel less ashamed.
I think it can be important for queer people to see other out and proud queer people because not only does it show-

there are others like you, a community that will welcome you and encourage you, but also gives younger people a role model.
for me, seeing other out queer women (specifically) makes me feel like I could one day have that kind of life. that it's not impossible to be happy-

especially as the lgbtq community still sees a lack of serious, good representation in media.
I think, if you feel safe and comfortable doing so, coming out can be something really important for yourself and even for other people.

I'd like to end this thread with a reminder that outing people is NOT OKAY. while I highlight the positives to coming out here, it isn't with its negatives and some people face those disproportionately to others.
coming out is a decision not always to be taken lightly