John — I want to wish you a wonderful, vibrant, life-affirming National Coming Out Day!

During winter break of my sophomore year of college, in the parking lot of Target, I told my mom I was dating a girl. She was wonderful, accepting, and warm. 

It wasn't such an easy conversation with everyone, but I feel so lucky to have been met with support from my nearest and dearest — even if I still don't like the idea of having to seek acceptance for just being me.

But it turns out, as the first openly queer member of the Washington State Senate, I had to come out again and again.

I wrote about my experience as an out, visible, queer elected official in Teen Vogue — please read it and share it on your social media platform of choice →

The first time I “came out” to my colleagues in the legislature, I was testifying in support of my bill to create an LGBTQ veterans coordinator at the State Department of Veterans Affairs. One of my fellow legislators asked what the Q meant and why we weren’t using LGBT. I found myself at work, live on TVW (our version of C-SPAN), talking about my romantic life, my queer identity — that if I weren’t already with my amazing partner, Alison, I might fall in love with a person of any gender. It was surreal — and not a conversation I imagined I’d ever have at work!

But I recognize that coming out is a privilege and a responsibility. I’m in a position of power. Every time I come out, I make it safer for the next person — which matters even more when right-wing legislators are passing hundreds of bills making life more dangerous for LGBTQ+ folks. 

And because that danger still exists, not all of my LGBTQ+ friends and fellow humans are able to live their truth out loud. 

So — as a person, as a healthcare and education advocate, and (with your help!) the next congresswoman from Washington’s 6th District, I support my queer siblings and neighbors. I support those who are loud about it and those who aren't. 

I support you because you are human — and you are worthy of support.

Please read my piece in Teen Vogue and learn more about National Coming Out Day from our friends at the Human Rights Campaign.

Have a wonderful day!

— Emily

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