“Living your truth is the loudest. Proudest act of rebellion. And baby, it’s contagious.”
-This Puzzled Life
Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. And call upon the ancestors. It is National Coming Out Week! And the spirits are ready for a show. Before we let my cats start their usual porch‑swing chaos, let’s set the stage.
National Coming Out Week is all about celebrating truth, courage, and the glorious moment when someone says, “This is who I am. And I’m done pretending otherwise.” It’s about honoring every person who steps into their identity loudly, quietly, flamboyantly, nervously, or with the confidence of a drag queen who just found out the sequins were buy‑one‑get‑one. It’s a week of visibility, joy, and community. The reminder that coming out isn’t just an announcement. It’s liberation. It’s choosing authenticity over fear. Connection over silence. And pride over shame. And honey, that deserves a parade, a potluck, and at least three casseroles.
Piper: “Momma, I’m declaring myself the official mascot of National Coming Out Week. I’ve been coming out of closets, cabinets, and the neighbor’s boat shed since 2019. I am basically the Rosa Parks of dramatic entrances.”
Coco: “Piper, you come out because you break in. That’s not activism. That’s burglary. And I’m coming out as exhausted by your delusions.”
Tinkerbell: “I would like to come out as spiritually evolved. I have transcended. I am now operating on a higher frequency. Y’all wouldn’t understand.”
Piper: “Tinkerbell, you cried for 45 minutes last week because your shadow ‘looked disappointed.’ You are not transcended. You are fragile.”
Coco: “And let’s not forget when you tried to sage the litter box. The ancestors did not ask for that. They were probably up there hollerin,’ ‘Girl, stop’!”
Tinkerbell: “I was cleansing the negativity. Y’all are toxic.”
Piper: “Anyway, Momma, tell the people how National Coming Out Week works in Mississippi. Tell them how folks whisper ‘I’m gay’ like they’re confessing to stealing the church’s folding chairs.”
Coco: “Or how the local conservative Facebook group thinks ‘coming out’ means revealing your secret banana pudding recipe.”
Tinkerbell: “Or how Pastor Earl says, ‘We welcome everyone.’ But his eyebrow twitches like it’s trying to file for emancipation.”
Down here coming out can feel like announcing you’ve switched from sweet tea to unsweetened. Folks gasp. Someone faints. A distant cousin writes a Facebook post that begins with, “I’m not judging, BUT…” But National Coming Out Week is about joy, truth, and living louder than a cicada in mating season. It’s about saying, “My identity is not up for debate, discussion, or discount.”
It’s about celebrating every story, step, and brave moment. Even the tiny ones. Even the “I’m not ready to tell Aunt Linda yet because she still thinks Lady Gaga is a witch” steps. And it’s about knowing the ancestors are nodding. The universe is vibing. And your cats are probably judging. But lovingly.
So as the charcoal burns. The sage smokes. And the ancestors lean in like they’re watching a telenovela, remember this. Coming out isn’t a one‑time event. It’s a lifelong celebration. A reclamation. A declaration that you refuse to shrink yourself to fit inside somebody’s casserole dish of expectations. And if anyone in the conservative South gets confused, just smile sweetly. Adjust your crown and say, “I didn’t come out for your comfort. I came out for my joy.” Then strut away like Piper after knocking something off the counter. Coco after stealing snacks. Or Tinkerbell after achieving inner peace for 11 seconds.
National Coming Out Week: Where the truth is loud. The humor is louder. And the ancestors are hollerin’ ‘YASSSSS.’ Thanks for reading! And come on out!!!💙🇺🇸🏳️🌈
Affirmation: My truth is sacred. My identity is powerful. And I walk forward with pride, humor, and a whole lot of Southern sparkle.
***Don’t forget to watch the video!***
#ThisPuzzledLife
