October 11th is National Coming Out Day. What started out as a march for queer rights over 30 years ago is now a celebration of the LGBTQ2S+ community and a stand against discrimination in the form of sharing one's truth.

It's an important day for already out LGBTQ2S+ individuals as it provides an opportunity to reflect on their own individual journey. It provides an opportunity to reflect on one's personal growth and the support that was provided by friends, both new and old, and family, both blood and chosen. It also provides an opportunity to remind oneself that coming out is a very difficult process and the importance of creating safe spaces for those who have not yet come out.

Coming out is an extremely vulnerable and anxiety-inducing moment in a person's life; a moment the individual has likely thought about and prepared for years. And while it's worth acknowledging that everyone's circumstances and struggles are unique, a common sentiment is uncertainty around how the news will be received.

When a loved one has decided to come out to you, the proper response is extremely important. Coming out is often met with surprise, and even denial. Not everyone admittedly gets it right but here are some points to keep in mind when responding:

Thank the person for confiding in you and acknowledge how difficult it must have been for them to take that step.
Affirm your unconditional love for the individual
Put forth an offer for present or future help

Some people in our Toronto Pflag family already know what to say. If that's the case, perhaps take a moment to consider how our words and actions create safe spaces for those who are not out yet. Small or large, we all play a role in someone's coming out journey.