Coming Out, but why?
Marie-Helene Tyack
Global Inclusion, Diversity & Belonging Manager| Chair of the Global Allianz Pride Board | Winner 'Head of Diversity' Diva Awards 2024| Winner 'Inspirational Role Model' Rainbow Honours 2023
In a recent conversation with someone they asked why it was important to come out – after all, she said, I don’t care what you do at home and it has no impact on how you do your work. Although it came from a good place (albeit delivered slightly awkwardly), it made me realise that we still have a lot to do and we still have a long way to go until everyone understands the importance of coming out.
11th October is Coming Out Day, started on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, as a reminder that one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out. On this day we celebrate all who have come out as LGBTQ+, and to recognise the bravery needed to do so.
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Coming out as LGBTQ+ still matters. Only half of lesbian, gay and bi people and trans people feel able to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity to everyone in their family, while at work more than a third of LGBTQ+ staff have hidden that they are LGBTQ+ at work for fear of discrimination. This means that at home and at work there are people who are pretending to be something they are not for fear of discrimination, or even worse rejection. How can anyone be authentic and sincere in their relationships when they are not being their true self? At work this also has an effect that not being open about who you are takes time and energy, both of which also prevent you from being 100% dedicated to your job.
Of course coming out is not without risk – even in 2021 there are people who are dying because of their sexuality and people who suffer from abject homophobia in the workplace. I have often said that coming out is a continuous process and not something that you do once – days like National Coming Out Day is important to recognise people, like me, who have taken that risk, who have come out, who are coming out everyday in different situations – I hope that by being out and Coming Out we can show that there is hope, there is value in being your authentic self and most of all that you can be loved and appreciated for being the real you.?