Kristen’s Coming Out Story from I Want the World to Know on Vimeo.
Kristen is originally from Denver, Colorado. She began questioning her sexuality when she was a teenager and found support from her friends, family, and local LGBT organizations such as PFLAG. She founded the Gay-Straight Alliance at her high school and came out to her entire school as a way to make the group known on campus. She earned a college scholarship for her work and courage and continued to be a part of LGBT organizations during and after college. She now lives in New York City.
hi kristen,this is mariano from goa india,after watching your video first thing that came into my mind was man this girl is lucky,to have support from your parents i wish i was your brother,things would have been so much easier for me,i am a bi i dont know if i will ever able to come out of the closet and tell my parents,they would never understand me,hope things would change one day and i will live a normal,i will need moral support from u,hope u will be my friend bye
Kristen, every generation has its Front Runners and you are certainly that for yours.
Note to Mariano: There is a lot of support out there for you. You are brave for seeking it out.
Thank you both for your kind words. I know how lucky I have been to have so much support and I will continue to pay it forward. Mariano- I agree with Oliver. I had plenty of family support, but much of my main support came from sources I sought out. Organizations, workshops, social networks etc. Be brave and true to who you are! Im there with you in spirit.
Wow, all of these videos have really inspired me. But Kristen yours especially has pushed me to seriousely consider coming out, because our stories our so similar. I’m also in high school and involved with GSA and PFLAG’s youth group. It’s really hard for me because there are no out kids in my entire high school and our GSA is a joke, there’s about 5 “straight” kids in it. I really want to come out and be a leader for all the other teens in my high school, who must be there, and going through the same struggle that I am … Afraid to come out and be the first one. I think if one person who was really vocal and positive about being Out and Proud, it would make a huge difference not only in extremely homophobic high school but also in my area.
I’m just really scared. I know someone has to be the first to make that leap, but I don’t know if I can be the one to take the shit.
Emily,
Thanks for your comment! You sound like me when I was your age.. I’m glad to know that you at least have a “GSA” that can serve as a safe haven when/if you come out. Coming out in high school wasn’t easy. As you know, its already a place that can be torturous to students; coming out can always add a degree of difficulty. Especially if you’re in a conservative area. However, it can also allow a feeling of great freedom and pride. I’d recommend seeking out a support system before you decide to take the plunge. Be prepared for a backlash, but also for people to reach out and try to connect. Most of all be careful! Good luck!
Kristen