Ace Week: Day One
Today's Theme: Coming Out
Happy Ace Week! The topic of discussion for the first day of our week is Coming Out.
It's something that can be terrifying, liberating, a relief, maybe even life changing - for better or for worse. Some people come out quickly, for others it can take years. But no matter how long it takes, for whatever reason, giving support should be instinct.
A person may come out once, or they may come out multiple times. It's okay not to be 100% sure, it's okay to change your label. It's not okay to confine someone to their previous label if they come out again. No "but aren't you meant to be X?" or "are you sure you don't just want attention by doing this again?"
It's important to give your support to someone confiding in you, because for them it could be one of the most stressful things they've ever/are currently going through.
I came out to my mum in a bit of a spontaneous rush of pride, I guess you could say. I was at Comic Con and I saw an LGBTQ+ stand selling so many beautiful flags and pins and stickers. I felt unbelievably happy to see my flag sat with the many others. After seeing so much discourse about my identity, I was overwhelmed to see my flag where it belonged - with the rest of the community. So full of pride, I bought one and wore it like a cape for the rest of the convention. It was only on my way home that I realised I hadn't actually told my mum that I was ace. I knew that my mum supported the community, she'd been to pride in the past as an ally and had contributed to the small businesses there trying to gain donations. Yet I still had a small ounce fear that she wouldn't get it. That she'd be confused and dismiss me. Asexuality isn't as commonly known as other identities, would she think I was making it up? But I had to tell her, now that I had my flag. When I showed her it along with my other purchases, I had to explain to her what it meant and that it represented me. She accepted me, but she didn't fully understand I don't think. Even so, she helped me put my flag on my bedroom wall, she bought me an Ace Ring for my birthday, she's taken me to pride and encouraged me to wear my flag like everyone else when I was scared.
Even though she doesn't get it completely, she's given me her support, and that has meant the absolute world.
Even if it's only to her, I'm out and I'm proud. I hope that one day I, along with every LGBTQ+ person, can wave my flag to the world without fear of judgement or attack.
Happy Ace Week everyone💜
