Friend, today is National Coming Out Day! Celebrated every year since 1988, it’s a day to celebrate the courage, support, and diverse stories that make up our unique tapestry of identities. No coming out story is like another… and that’s a beautiful thing!

For some, coming out may now be routine — correcting misconceptions, introducing their partner, or sharing their story. For others, it can be really scary. The fear of discrimination, bullying, or harsh judgment can cause some LGBTQ young people to keep their authentic selves concealed.

If you’re an LGBTQ person and you’re considering coming out, or have already shared your truth, this day is about you. No matter where you are on your coming out journey, remember that you are part of a resilient, vibrant community that’s here to support and celebrate you. Every LGBTQ person has their own unique coming out story… and today is the day to celebrate yours.

We asked our followers on Instagram about their coming out journeys, here’s what they had to say:

If you’re trying to find the words to express your identity, we’re here to help. Check out our Coming Out Handbook for some resources and tools to help guide you through your process. Are you a parent or supportive adult of an LGBTQ young person? The Coming Out Handbook is a great place to learn more about supporting LGBTQ young people and their journey to being their authentic selves.

Support from individuals like you enables The Trevor Project to continue our work to end LGBTQ youth suicide through our crisis services as well as the development of resources and guides like these to promote education and allyship.