In June, I had the chance to do impromptu interviews during the Gay Pride Parade in Pittsburgh. Despite the rain, the day was uplifting, lively and entertaining. Some people were “over the top” excited and anxious for the opportunity to share what they were feeling while others were enjoying themselves, but were more subdued. Many I spoke with were experiencing a sense of transformation because this was their chosen day to “come out” to the world AND their loved ones.
For some, while the day was cause for celebration, it also brought up painful reminders of a sense of loss, regret, remorse and fear. Many I spoke with still experience raw emotion about being rejected and abandoned by family members when they “came out” even though many years had gone by.
For me personally, it was most difficult to speak with the parents who had not taken the initial news of their son or daughter being gay very well, often taking years to accept it. Today, many of those parents find themselves struggling with the guilt of having abandoned and rejected their children at a time when their children needed them most. Many reported a strong sense of responsibility to repair the damage they created and to make up for lost years while also understanding those years are lost to them forever.
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While most people do not struggle with their sexual orientation, many people do struggle with who they are and a sense of being authentic and living in alignment with their true sense of self. When we don’t let our true selves out for the world to see, we are lying to everyone, but most importantly, to ourselves.
Visit Coach Monique’s blog “Positively Life Changing tomorrow, Thursday, to read more about stepping into your most authentic self and receive 5 Tips for not only being who you really are, but fully stepping into it with pride!
www.coachmonique.com
