National Coming Out Day
This Sunday, October 11, 2015, is National Coming Out Day. This annual event marks the October 11, 1987 march on Washington when 500,000 made themselves visible to the world. This year’s theme is “Coming Out Still Matters” and I couldn’t agree more especially for LGBT people in the law enforcement profession.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are working in law enforcement professions throughout United States. Hundreds of these dedicated professionals are already “out” and many are considered pioneers within their own agencies because they were the first to muster the courage to be themselves and to share their truth in the workplace. These pioneers have changed the hearts and minds of many straight colleagues who haven’t necessarily been supportive in the past, but now stand side-by-side in support of their LGBT co-workers. The fact remains though that homophobia remains a pervasive problem in law enforcement and there are still plenty of hearts and minds that need to be changed. The purpose of coming out isn’t just about influencing others. More importantly, coming out is about being able to live your life in the truth and free from the fear and intimidation that being in the closet creates.
If you are someone who is in the closet and hiding, this is your time to come out and to free yourself from a prison surrounded by shame and fear. There is a huge family of LGBT colleagues waiting to embrace and support you. It’s your turn this year to leave the closet behind and to come out and live your life as you were created to be.
We have many resources on our website to guide you through each step of the process. Just click on Coming Out at the top of the page. You will find articles, inspirational videos produced by law enforcement professionals, a way to reach out individually for help. Of course, we also have our two books that are filled with stories from people just like you. And keep your eye out for our new book set for release on January 1, 2016. Coming Out From Behind The Badge – 2nd Edition will offer you 300 pages of stories, advice, and much more. And if you do come out, tell us about it. Click on Submit A Story at the top of our webpage.