Thank you for coming out

Now that I’ve giggled and wiped tears from my cheeks after watching the above video, I strongly recommend that if you do anything unselfish today, or anything to contribute to National Coming Out Day — watch the video. Even if you’re out, or don’t think you can do anything. This sideways Greeting Card Emergency video (by David Ellis Dickerson) is required viewing for all visitors today. And I really want the last card he made.

That said, today is National Coming Out Day! If you are out with your sexual orientation, in whatever way you express it or not, to yourself only or with others, thank you. You have made me a better straight person for it. Or at the very least as a bi-girl who can “pass” without a problem in very straight environments, you’ve given me the community to take with me into places others would find hostility. And the courage to be there unapologetically.

The Human Rights Campaign has this great resource page with tips on coming out for all sides of the equation. Direct answers to questions about coming out are here (glbtnationalhelpcenter.org). Below are more resources, even if you’re just questioning your own orientation or unsure how to interpret or behave if you might be unsure of someone else’s and you have questions:

* GLBT National Hotline The GLNH is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. They provide telephone info, email info, referrals, & peer counseling for the GLBT communities. They have over 18,000 listings for the entire US, including groups, organizations, business, bars, doctors, lawyers, therapists, etc.
Hours: M-F 4pm-Midnight, Sat noon-5pm (EST). (888) THE-GLNH, (888) 843-4564

* National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth – News, FAQs, outreach and support for queer and questioning teens.

* The Trevor Project is the leading national accredited organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. (866) 488-7386

* PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) – (415) 921-8850 (San Francisco), (202) 467-8181 (National)

* Gay Lesbian International Therapist Search Engine – Find professional counselors who are sensitive to gay and lesbian issues. Not all the therapists are themselves gay or lesbian. Also recommended: Gaylesta.

Thanks for the video, Paul! And if you’re still with me this far, and want to see two pretty girls kissing in a lovely field of flowers, here you go.