SECTION ONE
About Us
This guide is the result of the wisdom and generosity of a community that understands, deeply and personally, the journey of coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, and queer (LGBTQ+). We extend our heartfelt thanks to the many contributors with lived experience who shared their stories, insights, and truths to shape this resource.
Created by people from diverse backgrounds, identities, and communities, this guide reflects a rich tapestry of perspectives and honors the many ways that coming out is experienced. Your voices not only made this guide possible- our workgroup made it real, relevant, and rooted in compassion.
We are profoundly grateful for your willingness to be vulnerable, your commitment to supporting others, and your belief in a world where everyone can be fully seen and affirmed. Your contributions will help countless others navigate their own paths with greater understanding, self-love, and hope.
Thank you for showing up for yourselves, for each other, and for the future.
With deep appreciation,
The National SOGIE Center
Coming Out with Care Workgroup
AjahRain Yellowhair
(they/them)
is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and grew up in the canyons of Wolf Creek, Arizona. They are currently in their third year at the University of Portland where they study Elementary Education and philosophy. They work closely in communityled projects using their lived and living experience to advocate for change/awareness. “This guide is the safe space I wish I had when I was navigating my own bisexual/pansexual and genderfluid identity."
Shane Read
(he/him)
27 years of age. Shane identifies as a bisexual transgender male, who has endured the horrors of the foster care system. “I was in care 10 years, aging out at 21. I am now an advocate for not only for young people in foster care, but LGBTQ+ young people in care, to have a voice and feel in control. I'm proud to be able to put together this guide in hopes of providing guidance and support for years to come."
Izzy Cabral
(they/he)
I am nonbinary and pansexual. I just got my AA in Psychology. I am now transferring to UC Riverside to study Developmental Psychology. “This is my first time working on a project like this and I was very grateful I was able to. I hope this guide will be helpful to many."
Elliott Orrin Hinkle
(they/them)
is a skilled consultant, facilitator, trainer, speaker, advisor, and national expert focused on elevating lived experience and expertise in systems that serve children, youth, and families. As Principal and Founder of Unicorn Solutions LLC, they are an advocate and professional that brings 13+ years' experience on topics such as child welfare, youth mental health, and the LGBTQIA2S+ community through training, advising, and facilitating culture change efforts. "Having grown up in Wyoming and moved to Oregon to transition safely as an adult, it was critical I had access to safe adults and resources like this guide to become my full authentic self. I hope this helps you, too!"
Avery Irons
(she/her)
has worked to increase supports and funding streams for community-based prevention and alternative programs, reducing racial and ethnic disparities, and strengthening protections for vulnerable children, youth, and young adults. "It's been an honor working on this guide and building for others something I needed when I came out as a Black lesbian in the Midwest decades ago. I hope the guide is as empowering for others as its development process has been for me."
Angela Weeks
(she/her)
has worked to build resources and programs that help LGBTQ+ people, their families, and communities for over 15 years. She identifies as an Arab American queer person, is a parent of two, and a veteran of the U.S. Army. “When I was younger, and particularly when I was serving under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell," I could have used a guide like this. It would have prevented some of the stress of figuring it out alone, without anyone to turn to for advice."
Victoria Brey
(she/her)
I’m Victoria, a 21-year-old bisexual woman and a student web developer at the University of Connecticut. Working on this guide has been especially meaningful to me because I know how much something like this would have supported me when I was coming to terms with my own identity. As a web developer I’m passionate about creating websites that are fun, supportive, and interactive experiences to keep users engaged and comforted. I'm proud to play a part in making this guide accessible to anyone who needs it.
