Being your authentic self: NPR's LGBTQ+ readers share their coming out stories
National Coming Out Day has been celebrated on Oct. 11 every year since 1988. The day brings awareness to LGBTQ+ rights and highlights how coming out can be an important part of reclaiming the right to live authentically.
This year, the Up First newsletter team asked people to share their coming out experiences. We received more than 170 responses. Here are some of the many stories people shared, along with their best advice for others looking to take the same step.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
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toggle caption Victor Ortiz, Jr.
Victor Ortiz Jr. initially came out to his sister after his first boyfriend left him because he was still in the closet. At the time, he lied and said he was bisexual. His sister reacted very lovingly.
A few days later, Ortiz took his dad to the San Antonio River Walk. When they returned to the car, Ortiz shared the news of his sexual identity with his dad. He said he was bisexual again — even though that is not how he identified — in the hope of sparing pain to the people he loved. "I denied and injected a lie I thought would help," Ortiz said.
Ortiz, who was 24 at the time, kept the secret from his mom because he didn't think she would understand.
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