[original published on Instagram and Facebook on 20 August 2023]

1. CELEBRATE THE GIFT YOU ARE. Internalised homophobia and associated shame can be a real challenge. Treat yourself gently.
2. WIDEN YOUR CIRCLE OF FREEDOM. Coming out is a journey and not a simple in/out. Each step widens your circle and grows your freedom. Even a small one.
3. KNOW YOUR ALLIES. Coming out can be tough. True friends and loves ones can help overcome fear, one step at a time.
4. NOT ALL WILL UNDERSTAND. It’s not your responsibility to fit their schemes. If you lose some “friends” along the way, so be it.
5. SILENCE CAN BE VIOLENT. (Self-imposed) silence, “don’t ask, don’t tell” can be internally violent. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Bigots do.
6. CREATE SPACE FOR OTHERS. Your coming out can also create space for others. Use your freedom and privilege to support others.
7. LIVE AND LOVE AUTHENTICALLY. Your witness of life is more challenging and persuasive than any arguments in disarming prejudice.

[reposted on 17 May 2024 with additional text]

Today — May 17th — is the international day against homo/trans/biphobia (IDAHOBIT). Because, sadly, LGBTQ+ persons still suffer violence and bullying, sometimes in very overt, sometimes in subtle ways. And beyond that, lack of acceptance and of safe space, have serious repercussions even on people’s lives.

We cannot remain silent, even within the Church, until it is true that we ALL feel welcome “Tutti! Tutti! Tutti!”

Often, the first “enemy” is too close to home, the homophobia to address is within. Here’s some words of advice if you’re slowly coming to terms with who you are, or maybe are accompanying others in the process.

[versione italiana]