A recent Human Rights Campaign Foundation survey found that, of 10,000 teens ages 13–17, 31% feared they would be “treated differently or judged” if they came out. population identifies as LGBTQ+ according to the most recent Gallup data, but not everyone feels safe and accepted in their identities. For many LGBTQ+ people, coming out as their true gender or sharing their sexuality comes fraught with fear over how family members will react, whether they'll lose friends once they bring their authentic selves into the light, or if their workplace, church or community will look at them differently.Īnd even as Pride flags ripple from many homes and storefronts and everyone from the Google doodle to your favorite snack food seem to have turned rainbow-hued for Pride month, we're still a long way from full equality.
The road to self-acceptance can be a rocky one, especially when it's paved with others' reactions.
