Are you out in your professional life? Could that be your next step in your personal coming out process? It may just boost your bottom line in your finances, your career, and your personal confidence account. And, today is a great day to start creating a plan to do so with the energies of the whole community in motion to support you.

Today is National Coming Out Day. National Coming Out day was started in 1988 one year after the historic March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian Rights. Traditionally this day is earmarked to raise awareness in the community about the lives of gays, lesbians, and transgenders. In many ways it is an opportunity for gays and lesbians to take the next step in their own personal coming out process.

Coming out is a very personal process. There is no one right or wrong answer to the question “Should I Come Out?”. One thing is certain, though, people who personally know someone who is gay or lesbian are more likely to be supportive of LGBT rights. It is harder to discriminate and hate when you put a name and face of someone you know or love in front of that act. In this year of the 20th anniversary of the March on Washington, the Human Rights Campaign Fund has declared the theme of this year’s Coming Out Day as “Talk About It”. So, how do you talk about it in your personal and professional life?

As a Comfortable in Your Own Skin Coach(tm) I know how important it is to be real and authentic in how you live your life. If you are out of alignment between what you say (nothing or vague comments of avoidance), what you believe (speaking your truth/we are equal) and who you are (gay, lesbian, or transgender) it is a recipe for frustration, exhaustion, and a partially lived life. That being said, it doesn’t always make sense to come out and you first need to be confident in who you are before you march into potentially difficult situations.

I truly believe that everyone can and should be able to live their lives as authentically as possible. I also know there can be a lot of stress and angst when it comes to coming out, especially in your professional life. That is why I want to offer you this 10 part eCourse on “Coming Out with Confidence”. In it I offer key concepts, steps, and tools that will help you come out with confidence wherever and with whomever you choose to. The course also offers key decision making points that will help you assess if and when it makes sense for you to come out at all. Sign up for this course using the form below and the first lesson will be sent to you within minutes of you confirming your subscription.

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Here on Queercents we talk a lot about the connection between coming out and professional success. Most recently Nina wrote about how gays who are out of the closet at work have stronger careers. I wrote about “Trading Authenticity for the Chance at CEO”. But I wonder, is selling your truth and authenticity worth the tradeoff for ANY title or career? I know you dedicated folks in the armed services would say it is. I am deeply thankful you serve our country. Yet, I know I could never get up and go to work each day (yet alone put my life on the line) for an institution that denies my right to be who I am. Not to mention how much energy is wasted each day dancing around the subject of coming out when it could be better directed toward true productivity and effectiveness on the job and in your relationships?

I’m not here to tell anyone they should or should not come out. I can only speak of the benefits personally and to the community that flow when we do. What I am here to ask you is to at least consider it. Take a good, hard look at coming out and if it is right for you. Through this eCourse I am here to personally guide you through that exploration and decision making process. I will coach you through the process and point you to other important resources you can use for your own personal coming out process. Why not take one next step in your coming out journey right now. If not now, when?