One this day,
it is hard to say,
it is hard to put into words,
the way I feel,
the experiences I have had,
the life I led.

Eighteen years have passed.
Since that day.
Since I realized my truth.
Since I declared to myself.
Since I revealed to myself to my friends.
Since I confidently said to my family.
This is who I am.

To the child I was then.
To this man who I have become.
These moments I have lived.
and the many times I have tried to die.

Over time, from the hardest of times, to the best moments of my life: It Does Get Better.

I have never claimed to be a perfect person.
I have never claimed to be a leader.
I have never claimed to be a role model.

I have always believed in my humanity.
I have always believed my abilities.
I have always believed in my ability to see another for who they are.
I have always believed in our best angels.
I have always believed in the way our better angels are shared towards a future vision.

We all deserve to be loved.

We are all equals.
We all have a shared vision.
We all deserve to be seen.
We all deserve to be cared for.
We all deserve to be treated equally.
We all deserve to be respected.
We all deserve to be shown dignity.
We all deserve to be given safe harbor.
We all deserve to be given an extended hand.
We all deserve to be shown outstretched arms.
We all deserve to stand shoulder to shoulder.
We all deserve to live our truths.
We all deserve to be who we are.
We all deserve to be loved.

On this day, On the 11th of October,
On this, National Coming Out Day,
Come out if you feel you are able,
Come out if you need to speak your truth.

Join us, on this day.

Be out loud, Be visible, Be Proud, Be Human, Be Dignified, Be Human, Be loved.

Happy National Coming Out Day.