Coming Out - October 2017

Today is National Coming Out Day, a time for LGBTQ+ people to come out, celebrate coming out, and honor those who have paved the way for them to come out. I was reminded today as I walked across campus toward my office of my own process of coming out. I remember being terrified of the prospects surrounding living a life that was open and affirming of who I was. Ultimately, I lost the right of coming out when a family friend outed me to my parents.
 
The aftermath was as awful as I had imagined and more. Nevertheless, I persisted.
 
The pain of losing my right to choose when and how I began my open and affirming life could have destroyed me. Instead, I used it to fuel my fight for equality and for the health and wellbeing of transgender, gender queer, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary individuals. The work that I do is the result of people seeking me out, because of my visibility as a trans woman in Alabama, and asking for advice. The emails and letters I answered would serve the basis for MyTransitionPartner.com.
 
If anyone ever tells you that we don’t need a Coming Out Day, then remind them of the importance of visibility.
 
I came out because I saw other transgender people around me living their truth, and I wanted the same joy and privilege of doing just that. In turn, I know of at least three people I have inspired to live their truth, and I have had the distinct honor of providing financial assistance, both from my own pocket and from this Foundation, that has enabled dozens of transgender people to start their journey toward a better version of themselves.
 
Visibility is a form of resistance, a way of standing up against those who want us to not exist.
 
Today, on National Coming Out Day, I have many different hopes for you:

• If you identify as LGTBQ+, I hope that you will take a moment to remember your own struggle, to honor those who came before you to clear the path, and to celebrate your truth. Then, take a moment to share your story with us: DarcyCorbitt.org/stories
• If you have not yet come out, I hope you will visit our website for resources on coming out. Even if you aren’t transgender, the advice and support on our coming out page will help. Remember, you are not obligated to come out. You aren’t a “bad gay” if you don’t come out. If you want to come out, we are here for you: MyTransitionPartner.com/comingout
• If you are the parent, sibling, or partner of a transgender person and want to support your loved ones in their coming out process, I hope that you will take time to think about how you can support your loved one. With your help, your loved ones will flourish. You aren’t alone in this, we are also here for you: MyTransitionPartner.com/lovedone
• If you are cisgender ally, I hope that you will take the time to visit our website to learn more about gender identity through our free online training (MyTransitionPartner.com/ally). I also hope that you will show your support with a donation so that we can continue to fund our grantmaking and support programs.

 
Have a wonderful day of visibility, reflection, and support!
 
Darcy

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