To celebrate National Coming Out Day, which was on Oct. 11, three of the staff members at The Clarion have decided to share our own experiences coming out.

Whether these experiences were good, bad or non-existent, we wanted to show solidarity from the LGBTQIA+ community at The Clarion with the LGBTQIA+ community at Madison College as a whole.

Celia Blau

I know that deep down some people would think being gay is wrong, but in fact, it’s the opposite. It took me a long time to accept who I am; it was hard for me to be happy because I am interested in woman. Finding out who you are and what you want in life is OK. What matters is your happiness. You are you in your own way.

I came out to my family back in eighth grade. A few years later, I fully came out to them after me and my ex-girlfriend had broken up. I know deep down they didn’t know what to say, or how to say it. Some parents will be shocked, others will say, “yes we know.” My parents are still in the process of reacting to it. They are talking about it now, which is a good thing.

Remember to love yourself for you as a human. I know some people will be shocked and may not accept it. I think sometimes it is difficult to grasp around the idea of it. It’s not your fault and you are not alone. Coming out is a difficult thing to do, but I believe some people may shock you.

Spice Phongthiengthan

Growing up as a transgender for me was unbelievably easy. I never had a conversation with my parents about me being a transgender, but somehow, they always knew.

They have been very supportive of me, and respect me for who I am. My parents never forced me to be something that I am not, nor try to change me.

Being transgender in my high school years felt like being a mutant in Charles Xavier school.
Most of my best friends are transgender. We understand and take care of each other. I never had to be afraid growing up transgender.

Adrienne Oliva

As a queer woman, I’ve had to accept that coming out is not a process that only happens once.
LGBTQIA+ folks will come out in many different situations with many different people, and not all reactions are equal.

When I came out to my ex-boyfriend, he immediately asked me, “Who did you learn it with?” He assumed that because I was attracted to all genders that I have had cheated on him to figure it out.

We fought, and then proceeded to never talk about it again.

Though this was a horrible experience for me, other experiences coming out have been empowering.

When I told my mom, all she did was smile and reply, “Whatever, you love who you love.”
Not all of my coming out experiences have been pleasant, and honestly, some have yet to happen. Despite this, I am still proud to be open about who I am and who I love.