National Coming Out Day has been celebrated on October 11^th since 1988, exactly one year after the historic lesbian and gay rights march on Washington. In the later 1980’s coming out was no simple task. There was stigma, risk, and uncertainty involved. Today, coming out is still not easy, but the world is slowly becoming more accepting, greatly due to National Coming Out Day. Surprising amounts of people are under the impression they do not know anyone who is a member of the LGBTQ community. Studies show that out of every two people consider someone very close to them lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, or queer. When people are able to put a personal connection to the issue, they are much more likely to be understanding and welcoming of the LGBTQ community.

The Human Rights Campaign has deemed coming out the LGBTQ’s greatest tool in the fight for equality. 30 years ago, National Coming Out Day was created as a non-violent response to the contentious environment brought on by the supreme court Bowers v. Hardwick ruling. Instead, National Coming Out Day was a way to celebrate the LGBTQ community, rather than take the ruling as a reason to continue living in the shadows of society. National Coming Out day is the perfect platform for those unsure of the best way to introduce their authentic self to the world. The first step of coming out is opening up to oneself, the second is coming out, and the final step is living freely. Living as someone’s true and authentic self is immensely beneficial for one’s overall wellbeing and mental health in particular.

Every person who shares his or her story is bound to influence at least one other person’s perspective. It is unrealistic to assume everyone has had the same exposure to topics that mean the most to you. Others focus on topics prevalent in their personal lives, and are not concerned with affairs non-related to their own. It is not always ignorance. Sometimes there is simply an unfamiliarity or unawareness. Hearing authentic stories of the LGBTQ community and the obstacles they face can revolutionize a new group of allies and advocates for equality. Creating warmer social, professional, and personal environments for the LGBTW community offers surroundings where living openly and honestly is possible.

One place the LGBTQ community should feel particularly comfortable is in the clinical sphere. It is vital for LGBTQ patients to feel they can be open with their physicians and therapists in order to receive necessary care. Without knowing the full story, it is hard for clinicians to properly treat and diagnose a patient.

For physicians, there are several ways to go about establishing a LGBTQ friendly office space. First, be educated on the topic of LGBTQ specific health. Know which health concerns each are prone to, familiarize yourself with LGBTQ friendly referrals, understand how to make each patient comfortable, use preferred pronouns, instead of asking about husband or wife, use phrases such as partner or parent. Never assume. Having a visible Human Rights Campaign sticker in the office will give potential LGBTQ patients peace of mind when choosing to schedule an appointment with your practice.

Seabrook is an equality ally. Our staff is highly conscious and empathetic to the exclusive circumstances those in the LGBTQ community face. Seabrook understands that the LGBTQ community needs to be listened to. We work hard to bring each patient back to health, giving them their voice back, and strengthening the one they already had. Today, we celebrate those of the LGBTQ community and their allies on National Coming Out Day.

Seabrook detox and rehab programs accept clients for admission twenty-four hours a day. If you are undecided about entering rehab, consider this: Seabrook is the heart of recovery, helping you secure freedom from the ravages of drug and alcohol misuse. Each compassionate, skilled member of our addiction treatment team will journey with you through the evidence-based, life-giving Seabrook model of treatment. Please contact us at (888) 223-0298 or email [email protected] if you would like to more information or for a tour of Seabrook.