by Will D. Curl

Created on: April 16, 2008   Last Updated: December 23, 2009

There seems to be a lot of discussion about the importance of "coming out". To testify to ones true sexuality is to "come out" of the imaginary closet. It is quite amazing the diversity in which we Americans view the subject of the "LGBT" community. Even in our so called "modern society" it is a major step for one to admit to being "lesbian,gay,bisexual or a transgender".

Being "gay" is not new to our world, nor has it always been hidden in a closet. During the great Roman Empire such behavior was common place. Today, the only place one might feel it is common place in the U.S. is San Francisco. 

My sister is 44 years old. She didn't "come out" until she was almost 30 years old. To have someone in your family admit to being LGBT was a shock. It is one of those things that you think will always happen to someone else. I was surprised that my little sister opened up about being bi-sexual. She had never
married but already had 2 children. I ask her why she decided to come out when she did, and this was her reply " I could not any longer conceal my true feelings in my heart. I refused to be made to feel ashamed any longer" We, the open minded, placed people like my sister in a closet. They did not choose to go there. Like everything of value in our universe, it took time for observations to change. Time for minds to open and accept what has always been there
and shall never go away.

I am not ashamed of my sister. She "came out" for what she believed, and that was in herself. As a people we are slowly allowing individuals to truly be free about their sexuality. We are making progress. As the summer of "2008" approaches we may even allow a "women" or a "African-American man" to be President of the United States. As a nation, we are slowly, "coming out" of the closet ourselves.

My sister, like many others, was afraid to "come out". Afraid to be identified or placed with a label. Rather you "come out" in the south, the north, the east or the west it does not change the agony of the decision. The way we judge is instilled in us through our faith, our up-bringing and our in-grown beliefs. My family accepted our sisters decision and we were proud of the inner strength she displayed in proclaiming it. Of course not every situation is the same or every family reaction. "coming out" is important. Its important to those who
have the courage to do it, and as equally important to our growth as a society.

We are a nation grown on indifference. We were not intended to be like anyone else. If we will call ourselves "free" than we must allow all to be free, even when it confronts what we believe to be wrong. When we can do this, than we can truly call ourselves the leaders of the free world.

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