The panel is facilitated by Caity Briggs, with panelists Aliyah Winter, Jaye Barclay, Jarrod Klooster, Brittany Hobcraft, Neo Kenny and Sloan. A special thank you to the participants and InsideOUT for allowing this session to be recorded and shared.
Summary
This panel discussion, recorded during the Shift hui in Porirua on April 20th, 2018, explores the multifaceted experiences of coming out and navigating personal identities in the context of gender and sexuality diversity. The session, facilitated by Caity Briggs, gathers insights from Aliyah Winter, Jaye Barclay, Jarrod Klooster, Brittany Hobcraft, Neo Kenny, and Sloan, all of whom share their journeys of self-discovery and affirming their identities.
The panelists reflect on the initial moments of recognizing their sexual orientations, the associated challenges, and the transitionary processes they undertook in defining their identities. A common thread among the narratives is the questioning of labels and how they may evolve over time. The panel covers the wide spectrum of identities, including non-binary, transgender, bisexual, pansexual, gay, and queer. Participants share not just their self-assigned labels but delve into how they embraced these identities amidst societal pressures.
Notably, the process of coming out to oneself before friends and family is depicted as a significant, emotional event marked by both resilience and vulnerability. The panelists discuss the difficulties they faced, from bullying to internalized shame, and the strength they found through acceptance and self-affirmation. They talk about how familial reactions were diverse, ranging from immediate acceptance to journeys of mutual understanding and education.
A recurring theme is the importance of safety in the coming out process—a critical reminder that, for many, revealing one's true self can come with real risks. The dialogue underscores the need for a supportive community, citing the comfort found in being around others who provide a safe space to explore and affirm one's identity.
Panel members offer advice for those who may be in the midst of their own coming out processes. They emphasize the validity of each individual's unique experience, remind attendees that there is no obligation or timeline to disclose one's identity, and encourage living authentically above all else. They also acknowledge the complexity of negotiations with one's cultural identity, particularly in contexts affected by colonialism and intergenerational trauma.
Participants also provide practical advice for managing the deluge of inquiries about gender and sexual orientations. They encourage self-care and assert one's right not to bear the burden of educating others, suggesting turning to available online resources instead.
Overall, the session captures a range of emotions and experiences related to coming out and the ongoing process of identity negotiation, offering both solidarity and strategies for the participants. Everyone at the event and InsideOUT is thanked for providing this valuable platform, allowing the voices of the LGBTQ+ community to resonate and their stories to be heard.
This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.
Tags
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Tags (computer generated)
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