I grew up without anyone on a screen who looked like the life I'd end up living, and a church that called being gay something to cure. So I ran halfway around the world, and found Thomas in Ireland instead. This is the long way I took to being out, why two men holding hands in a Dallas mall still stops me cold, and why Pride is a responsibility, not just a parade. None of these rights are permanent. Here's what we owe the next kid.

Every October 11 we celebrate National Coming Out Day (NCOD) and this is why it matters even today!

Happy International Coming Out Day!

7 steps to become a great LGBTQ+ ally