Coming out of the closet is one of the toughest yet most transformative processes in the lives of most LGBT+ people.
It is now just over 6 years since I came out to myself and my closest support network. Coming out is also what spurred me to start writing poetry. I have been fortunate to get all the support, kindness, and love I got.
Alas, not everyone is as fortunate. Coming out is still filled with many unknowns and dangers for many around the world. I hope a day will soon dawn when it becomes uneventful to all. Until then, a sonnet on coming out, in solidarity with all LGBT+ people everywhere.
Trapped for many a year,
In a prison not of one's making.
A path from which one can't veer,
Nary a care for a heart aching.
Denial is hard to break through,
When one is filled with fear.
Shame and guilt pile on too,
As do the pain of near and dear.
O, but a fateful day will arrive,
When you are pushed to the brink.
Forced you will be to strive,
By yourself to face what you think.
To stand up for yourself is brave,
If not you, who else will?
To others' orders, no more a slave,
But rebirth is challenging still.
Forgive yourself as you walk ahead,
For you didn't have a real choice.
Grieve for dreams past as you tread,
Let the world hear your pure voice.
A new zest for life will break out,
As your creative self will grow.
Sans the stumbles of searing self-doubt,
So much of yourself, you didn't know!
The joy of solitude will appear,
As the pain of loneliness recedes.
Life's fulfilling even if it's queer,
For the heart now has what it needs.
