The Difficulties of Coming Out

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I grew up in a conservative home. My parents believed that if you were gay, you were sick. So sick, in fact, that you might make everyone else around you gay. I listened to that, and while I heavily disagreed with it, combined with the scorching sermons from my pastor, I accepted it. I myself wasn't straight, and tried denying it throughout my middle school and high school years. It wasn't until college did I begin to consider the fact that I was actually lying to myself. However, by the time I graduated, I wholeheartedly embraced my pan-sexuality, and while my parents had a hard time accepting it, I was happy nonetheless.

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 As Americans, we're lucky to live in a country where being apart of the LGBT community is celebrated. And while not everyone may like it, a majority of the country believe in giving the community actual human rights and treating them decently. More and more people are coming out as gay, bi, lesbian, trans, and everything in-between. Because society is more accepting of these individuals, the rates for them coming out are continually growing.

Not only that, but there have been numerous health benefits associated with coming out. For example, the American Psychology Association states that when an individual comes out, it encourages a greater sense of well-being. It can build an individual's self-confidence, reduce stress levels, and decrease the risk for depression. Representation increases, and as a result, more people see LGBT individuals as apart of a health, thriving, diverse society. They also gain a sense of community with other LGBT individuals, and can be more honest with themselves, at least when it comes to their sexual identity.

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Even so, there are still many difficulties associated with coming out. The potential to be rejected by close friends and family members is one. The fact that there are many hate groups that target LGBT individuals is another, such as the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality and the Alliance Defending Freedom. According to the Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to preventing LGBT teen suicides, the suicide rates for LGBT teens is almost "five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth." Many religious communities, especially the Christian Right, have also taken part in the discrimination and persecution against LGBT individuals. Because of these pressures, many people feel that it'd be safer to keep their identity to themselves, rather than expressing it.

These reasons are all legitimate as to why a person would decide to stay silent. After all, in some cases, the safety and security of an individual will trump any perceived benefits from coming out. What's more, coming out isn't a requirement, nor should it be.

However, remember that there are many resources for people who have difficulties coming out, or deciding to come out. Keep friends and family members close that will show support when, or if, you decide to come out. There are a plethora of books and articles online to help you, much of which can be found at the University of Washington site. Volunteer organizations like the Trevor Project can help people cope with any negative feelings of being LGBT, and offering support during tough times.

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Despite all the importance we place on accepting ourselves and all the health benefits that go along with it, it can be hard. From rejection from loved ones to becoming a target for violent hate crimes, it might appear to stay safer in the closet. However, just remember that there are resources available for you should you decide to come out, that there is a thriving community waiting to accept you. While it can be difficult at first, remember that it gets easier with time.

Because after all, it's important to know that you are loved.

4 Reasons You Should Volunteer

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There's a reason why people volunteer. For example, it can be for a school project, or requirement, or just for fun. However, volunteering also comes with many health benefits, both physically and mentally. Below are some of these benefits.

1. Keeps You Active

From soup kitchens to nursing homes, volunteering is a surprisingly effective way to get in some exercise. Whether it be carrying boxes or flowers, volunteering can keep you on your feet, as well as ensure that you're remaining both physically and mentally active. With a variety of new skills learnt during your time volunteering, it's no surprise that people who volunteer often live longer and healthier lives. In fact, according to a study done by the Longitudinal Study of Aging, researchers have found that individuals who volunteer have lower mortality rates and pain from chronic illnesses than those that don't.

2. Improves Your Mental Health

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Oftentimes, volunteering can give you a sense of fulfillment and boost your self-confidence. Volunteering often involves individuals going out of their way to give to their community, and gives them an opportunity to see just how their activities impact the world around them. Not only that, but volunteering has been shown to reduce conditions such as depression and anxiety. Volunteering has also been known to be quite relaxing, which further contributes to a thriving mental health.

3. Builds Up Your Resume

Many times, it's hard to gain experience in the workplace when you're just out of high school or college. Volunteering can give you an opportunity to build up those experiences by offering opportunities that allow you to explore your interests and potential careers. What's more, because of the relationships you develop when you volunteer, you can easily ask your supervisor to be your recommendor. At the very least, it looks good on your resume.

4. Connects You to Other People

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As stated above, volunteering allows you to make connections with other people. Whether it be through supervising, or just talking with other volunteers, volunteering is an activity that helps you establish connections, learn from others, and even make friends! If you're in a service position, such as helping out at a soup kitchen or a hospital, you're bound to run into a number of ways to connect with a variety of different people.

Conclusion

There's a reason why volunteers are near and dear to society. Not only do they help society function as a whole, but they also remind us that the world isn't necessarily a bad place. It helps that there are many health and professional benefits volunteering can give to an individual as well. From keeping you on your feet, to helping you meet new friends, it's clear that everyone can benefit from some sort of volunteering.