A press release on the occasion of the International Coming Out Day 2018

LGBTI PEOPLE ARE BRAVE BECAUSE THEY LIVE AND SHARE THEIR IDENTITIES IN BH SOCIETY

The International Coming Out Day (the day when we symbolize symbolic ‘’coming out’’, thus, the disclosure of our own sexual orientation, gender identity and/or sexual characteristics) is celebrated for thirty-one years, every October 11, in many countries of the world, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Every year on this day LGBTI activists are reminding us of the need to create safe space for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans and intersex people, the space in which they can live their authentic lives without the fear and hiding.

 

Why is coming out so important?

Coming out is the moment, but also process in which lesbians, gays, trans or intersex person is revealing their sexual orientation, gender and/or sexual characteristics to other people, but also to themselves.
Coming out means saying to someone that you like the person who is the same sex as you, announcing to someone your gender identity or sexual characteristics and sharing your life experiences, problems, happiness, with the people close to you in the same way as they do.

Straight people are not worried about the process of ‘’coming out’’ because being straight is pretty much being implied already, they can go out, love and marry the person of the opposite sex. On the other hand, LGBTI people do not have the same privilege. That is one of the main reasons why LGBTI people are afraid, worried or confused through their lives.

Research from around the world, the region and in Bosnia and Herzegovina is showing that being ‘’in the closet’’ can cause serious psychological risk, including problematic relationships, feeling of isolation, stress, and even suicidal tendencies. On the other hand, ‘’coming out’’ has a positive impact.  To be open as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and instersex person can help develop their own personality, and create a positive picture of themselves and improve many aspects of their lives.

That is why this year on International Coming Out day, Sarajevo Open Centre wants to send the message to all LGBTI people who are brave because they are living their authentic lives and sharing their identities with their closest ones, and we want to invite them to contact us if they need free psychological and legal aid. We are here for you.

Also on this occasion, we want to send the message to our fellow citizens to understand the need for making safe environment for LGBTI people, so that we all, together, can live our own lives without violence and fear.

 

Contact:

Working with LGBTI people through socializing/community events – [email protected]

Psychological counseling – [email protected]

Legal counseling – [email protected]