National Coming Out Day: What it means to Portland’s queer performers

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — ‘ National Coming Out Day ‘ is every October 11 and is a day to help queer individuals navigate the next steps in their journey to self discovery.

“Coming out of the closet” can be an extremely difficult hurdle for queer youth and even those later in life. The first National Coming Out Day was celebrated on October 11, 1988 and was first organized by Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg and was a celebration of the first anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights , according to the Human Rights Campaign .

The National Coming Out Project was created in 1996 by the Human Rights Campaign, “which is part of our ongoing work that goes beyond the activities on October 11 to provide resource guides and information to people who are coming out or those interested in understanding the journey,” explained the Campaign.

Everyone’s ‘coming out’ journey is different and will be done on an individual’s own timeline. It might be difficult, scary, or even exciting for some to live as their authentic selves.

Portland’s queer and allied community is always a welcoming space. The yearly Pride festivities celebrated and sponsored by KOIN 6 News every July is the face of the Rose City’s acceptance. However, pride can be found on a daily basis across western Oregon and southwest Washington. Some of Portland’s most familiar faces are hoping to change the lives of those who might remain fearful about living out loud and proud.

“I became my true self once I realized I didn’t have to hide who I was. Life truly began and has been amazing ever since,” said Darcelle XV Showplace hostess Poison Waters .

“I used National Coming Out Day as an excuse to come out to my closest friends my senior year of high school and life has been far less stressful ever since. It’s so liberating to share your true self with the world and know that you’re surrounded by people that love you for who you really are. I’m so proud of who I am and since coming out I’ve shed the feeling of ‘otherness’ that comes with being a gay person,” said Portland’s live singing drag queen and brunch hostess, Nicole Onoscopi .

“Being out and proud to me means being able to live my most authentic life and not hold back myself for fear of someone finding out who I really am. I truly wish I could talk to my younger self and say, ‘hey, it’s all ok to be yourself and being out will help you find the love and family you always wanted.’ If someone’s worried about coming out I’d say do it at your own time and confide in who you feel safe with,” said Salem and Portland area drag performer, Lylac .

“In the contentious world we live in, being authentic is your strength. And beyond that, it gives others strength to be not afraid to be their best self and proud of who they were created to be. Surround yourself with people who love you just the way you are. Let no person dictate your happiness,” said long-time Portland drag performer, Bolivia Carmichaels .

“Being out and proud is the biggest act of self love I have ever taken. Although it may come with fears of the unknown, nothing has been more beautiful than the life that you’re able to create living as authentically as you are. If I could give any advice to somebody it would be to be patient and kind with yourself. And know that you deserve to be seen, heard, and loved for exactly who you are,” said Diva Drag Brunch and winner of ‘ Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls ‘ show, Jayla Rose .

“Being out and proud is really important to me, because it means I get to finally be the person I spent so long wanting to be, and I don’t have to feel like I don’t belong anymore,” said Darcelle XV Showplace cast performer, Summer Lynne Seasons .

Seasons went on to advise those struggling with coming out with, “You will spend a lot of time worrying about what other people think, but soon you’ll discover the only opinion that matters is what you think and if your family can’t accept you for who you are, it’s time to go out and find your own family. Surround yourself with people who love you and uplift you and you’ll be just fine.”

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