come out of the closet — even if you are straight

Coming out of the closet is a life changing experience.  Just imagine it.  You are gay and you are faced with the stigmatism present in the world around us that makes you fear letting people know.  However, once you let the world know, the massive weight on your shoulders disappears and you are now headed down the path that defines you.  You feel like a streaker that manages to make his way to the pitch of a football game with one difference — there is no one stopping you (now, doesn’t that make you even more fantastic?).  We all experience something like this throughout our lives, but most pale in comparison.

What I propose is that we all should be on a quest to find all of the closets that we are in and boldly exit with our heads held high.  Consider it an attack on your future. Hide it under a bushel, no, I’m gonna let it shine!

As a student, I was trapped in a closet that I made based on the opinions of my peers, superiors and society. I had dreams that were shut down time and time again that turned me into a Borg.  I wish I was bold enough to stand up for my dreams in high school because my life would have been different earlier.  Nevertheless, I’ve been bold and I am now aggressive at achieving my dreams.

Become comfortable with the fears you face.  You are going counter-current, which means you will encounter objections that almost compel you to stop.  Make sure you listen and offer respect (otherwise you will be careless and will look like a dick), but be extremely bold.  If anyone shuts you down for being passionate about your dreams (for example, your career), that is not the right person to share time with.

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