coming out

An inspiring coming-out story from Trevor Addie-Carter, Associate Attorney at Horman Nichols. #nationalcomingoutday

On this #NationalComingOutDay we celebrate coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.  It is a day to celebrate those among us who have come out and to stand in solidarity with those who are not yet ready or who do not feel safe.  For those who identify as LGBTQ+, coming out of the closet can be terrifying.  Even those who find themselves in supportive company have likely felt anxiety or even fear at what will happen to their family, their friends, their jobs, and even their homes. 

My own coming out story began in college, starting first with myself and then, slowly, to family and friends.  At first, it was terrifying, but with each person I told, it slowly, surely became easier and I felt more comfortable with myself.  Professionally, I went from guarded, to comfortable, to unapologetic, eventually coming to the conclusion that I didn’t care what others thought:  any law firm that had an issue with me being gay was not a place I would work.  Fortunately, for as rooted in “tradition” as the legal field can be, I have not once had to follow through on that conviction.  Who I am has helped me connect and better understand LGBTQ+ clients whom I have been so fortunate to have represented, whether it be in family law, landlord-tenant, or any other civil legal matter.

Today, I can live as my true, authentic self, both personally and professionally, and with the support of my family, my friends, my church, and my colleagues at Horman Nichols.  I am who I am, I am proud, and I am proud to be able to help those who are “like me.”  And while my extended family may have ended a little smaller than it started, as Dr. Seuss once wrote, “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” 

So, for those who are out,  congratulations!  And for those who aren’t ready or who feel unsafe or isolated, know that no matter what, you are never alone.  It gets better.  It gets so much better.