Sharing their coming out stories...

Coming Out Day is Oct. 11. So if you are still in the closet to anybody...COME OUT!!!
But seriously, it's a deeply personal step and everyone should do it in their own time. If you want encouragement from others who have taken the step, I encourage you to read a collection of Coming Out Stories on the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's site.
Mine should be up soon but it is mainly a truncatated version of a long-assed version I posted a year ago. To read that, CLICK HERE. Meanwhile, here is sampling of stories from people who i like and admire. Here is a LINK to the site so you can read them all!!!

Jane Lynch, actress: "I have much to be grateful for in those who came before me, the die-hard activists, the loud and angry protesters, and those for whom first names will do: Ellen, Melissa and Rosie. For those who blazed the trail and made my path so much easier, I am forever in their debt. I hope that my story will lighten your load somewhat and allow you to see what is possible for you. I love you and want you to live a full and happy life being all that you are. Find the people in this world who will love you for that. I guarantee you they're out there."

Alec Mapa, actor/comic: "Coming out, standing in my own truth has been the most liberating, life affirming thing Ive ever done, personally or professionally. One of the most ironic things about my life is that I initally worried what effect coming out would have on my career when the truth is, I really didn't have one until I did. Covering up my authentic self to friends, families and co-workers required enormous energy and only fueled my own Filipino Catholic feelings of shame. The minute I stood up for myself, everybody else did too. Now, I can't imagine living any other way."

Kenneth Walsh, blogger, friend: "I came out in college during Thanksgiving break in 1988, and my mom acted as if she was completely shocked. It was kind of hard to believe, though, given the fact that when I was in junior high I heard her washing my little sister's hair in the bathroom sink and she started getting frustrated with the squirmy little girl and slammed her head against the faucet and my sister started to cry. I got concerned and poked my head in and said: "Mom, take it easy. You're hurting her," to which she snarled back at me, "Stay out of this, woman." (Yeah, she had no idea.) It's moments like these that give writers a lifetime of material to draw from!"