Though it’s primarily an American holiday, here in Canada we celebrate it, though not officially.

So, like the title says, it’s National Coming Out day today, and there’s so much to be grateful for, on this Thanksgiving day, which is also today. Canadian Thanksgiving that is.

We’ve *the LGBTTQIA (henceforth gay) community, as well as the world* been mourning the publicity surrounding young people committing suicide in the past five weeks or so. Yes, it’s nothing new that young, gay kids are killing themselves, for that matter, all gay people, have high suicide rates. However, the public news, mainstream media are now taking notice.

Out of sight, out of mind. Sounds stupid, but it’s true. Sounds selfish in some ways, but again, true. For years, as long as there’s been oppression against the ‘norm’, people have killed themselves. But we didn’t hear about it everywhere we went. So, it was easy to ‘pretend’ like it didn’t exist. Some of us care all the time and it’s upsetting. We do what we can to help. Some of us care when it’s convenient, doing the right thing when it makes them feel good. Some of us just don’t care. That’s sad.

I guess that’s why media coverage means so much to those of us who care. It means that people are caring. That they’re not subscribing to the adage of out of sight, out of mind, that with the ever present news coverage, talk show coverage and YES, even social media coverage, that it’s NOT going away.

Homophobia is an epidemic that is absolutely and one hundred percent avoidable. IGNORANCE and HATE are the root of this evil.

Similarly, Heterosexism is an epidemic. It should never be assumed that a female has a male partner, nor that a male has a female partner. It should never be assumed that anyone, anywhere is ‘straight’. But it is. It’s automatic.

New Co-workers automatically are faced with questions about their opposite sex partner. Teachers automatically assume that a child presenting as one sex really is that sex. Children are expected to date someone of the opposite sex, as is their adult counterparts. The list could go on forever.

Consequences of not falling into those assumptions? Hatred. Loneliness. Self Loathing. Homelessness. Virtual Orphan hood – cause families don’t want a gay kid. This list goes on.

The way out? Suicide. If no one wants you, why should you want you? Why should you want to live? What’s to live for?

I would never ever, nor will I ever condone or advocate suicide. It’s horrible and it’s painful to everyone involved. The fact is someone, somewhere loves you.

Obviously, it’s complex and not cut and dry. We can’t force anyone to think a certain way, and that’s painfully obvious from the aftermath of one’s suicide. We can’t account for all the diversity, as it’s as complex as anything out there, but basic respect is not too much to ask for. Acceptance as a human being, regardless of orientation or gender identity, isn’t a luxury, it’s a HUMAN RIGHT. AN ABSOLUTE HUMAN RIGHT.

We’re never going to live in a perfect world, humanity is flawed, but working towards a common love and understanding is a goal that I will never ever give up on. For that, I’m thankful.