Imagine having to conceal your identity from those closest to you. You are careful not to say the wrong things or do something that would expose who you really are. Everyday you are wearing a mask that hides a core piece of your identity, and it is almost like living a double life. This is the reality for some people who are waiting for the right time to come out. If you are one of these people, I'm sorry to be the one to break it to you, but the right time might never happen.

There are multiple reasons people wait to come out to the friends and family. For some, the issue might just be mentally preparing for the ordeal, even though they know deep inside that nothing will change between them and their family. For others the issue is trying to find the words to say to someone who is firmly anti-LGBTQ+.

Trying to open up to someone close to you about a something you know they are against is tough. People can change their mindsets and become more open towards the LGBTQ+ community, but that is not a guarantee. That is why the "right" time might never happen.

You know your situation best. If you are waiting to come out because of a certain someone, chances are you know what their reaction might be. You might be wrong and be pleasantly surprised, or you might be right and everything becomes chaos as expected.

That doesn't mean I'm saying don't come out. In fact, I want to say just the opposite to you. Be proud of who you are. There is an entire community that is ready to support you the second you ask for it: the LGBTQ+ community. We are worldwide, and a lot of us went through exactly what you are going through right now.

Even if you feel like you have no support system, trust me. There are several organizations that are one call or text away.

The anti-LGBTQ+ people in your life can't change you, and there's a chance they might not change for you. Learn to accept what you cannot change, and do the best with what you can.

Just remember this: What they think of you does not mean that is who you are.

Your self worth is not determined by who chooses to accept you. As a human being, you are worthy of love and respect. The "right" time for you to come out to a certain person might never happen, but the time to be you is now.