Coming Out is a Brave Act
Posted by spiritdt@comcast.net on Sep 18, 2013 in LGBT community | Comments Off on Coming Out is a Brave Act
Coming out to friends and family as a gay, lesbian or transgendered person is the bravest act one can accomplish. It is the rare individual who says that it was “no problem”. For most, it is something that has been thought about for a long time. Even in 2013 when there is a much stronger gay presence in the media, and laws in some states for equality have been passed, prejudice still exists in the consciousness of the country.
The courage that is required for this kind of disclosure can be overwhelming. The original meaning of the word courage is to tell your story with your whole heart. The root meaning of courage being heart. As a therapist I encourage all people to lead with their heart because that is where our greatest strength is revealed. It is frightening to expose oneself to rejection but even tougher to live an inauthentic life where our individuality is never fully seen.
Our work in therapy can help you understand the roots of these fears and become a true companion and support for this life changing event. When a client understands how holding back such a major aspect of his being can suppress his energy in all aspects of his life, he or she is more willing to take this step. A supportive therapist can be enormously helpful. Accepting ones sexuality is only one aspect of who we are, but anytime we withhold one part, we withhold other parts as well. The goal is to become whole.
