October 6, 2021 BY imani leave a comment
It was only a few years ago that every member of the LGBTQ+ community was expected to come out of the closet and reveal their sexual preference to the world. Coming out of the closet is a popular metaphor used to describe the shame and guilt many people were made to feel about their sexual orientation. Though the phrase has no inherent negative connotation, it is becoming more and more arbitrary.
In the old days, coming out was viewed as a rite of passage for every gay person. Coming out meant so much more than just telling your loved ones you like the same sex. It meant stepping out of shame and guilt, sharing your true identity with the world, and being open about every aspect of your life. Those who were too scared to come out because of the risks associated with that would forever live in shame and fear.
Though the LGBTQ+ community continues to face adversity and hatred all over the world, the movement has made amazing progress since its conception. Many people who came out tens of years ago lost their families, friends, homes, and jobs. They paved the way for the LGBTQ+ community today, the members of which no longer have to live in fear of the consequences of them being themselves.
Many parents still react to their children coming out with a lot of unnecessary aggression and contempt. However, more and more people are learning about sexuality and accepting others as they are. No one can guarantee that you won’t face backlash from your family, but you will still have the same human rights as any other person.
As people are beginning to accept the fact that sexuality is fluid, members of the LGBTQ+ community no longer feel a need to come out. The younger generation was never taught to hide their true identity, so there’s no shame or fear that they have to get rid of.