By Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins

There is an ancient word used in scripture that is translated as “go forth,” but a more literal translation would be “go forward to [or for] yourself.” 

How great is it to be encouraged to keep moving forward until you are living your truth fully and celebrating who you are? 

That is what coming out is: Discovering and loving who you are and sharing the gift that you are with the world. 

Daring to walk toward yourself, embracing and celebrating your authentic self, is empowering and can be transformational. 

Coming out first to yourself, then, if you are a person of faith to the God of your understanding (perhaps even giving thanks for your self-discovery and acceptance), and then to at least one other person, will allow the light of truth to shine, and our world needs both truth and love right now.  

Not everyone will celebrate your truth, but some will, and you will meet others who will delight in knowing the real you. 

We each must do it in our own way and in our own time, but everyone who comes out begins a journey to pride and empowerment and they light the way for others to do the same. 

Coming out is a gift to ourselves, and living our truth is a gift to the world. Coming out may be political, but it is also healing, it is spiritual, and it is generous. 

Thank you for being who you are, and for sharing your truth with the rest of us. Have a happy Pride Month and may our LGBTQIA+ community bask in the blessings of pride and joy.

Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins is the Senior Minister of Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale, FL. SunshineCathedral.org