I get it. Being out and proud about your sexuality isn't something that comes naturally or easy to everyone. You may be feeling a little lost in the distance this month, but I'm here to tell you that you're absolutely not alone.

Thankfully, our society has come a long, long way with acceptance and even celebration of queer and LGBTQ+ individuals just in the past few years. Millions of people parade through the streets of cities across the globe during June in order to show the world how amazing and loving the community can be. But, at home or at school, this sheer pride and freedom of expression can be lost to oppression, fear, and judgment.

No matter what you label yourself as, no matter who you choose to love, how many and what gender, if you are holding back a piece of yourself in order to stay safe, guarded and comfortable, this is for you.

I don't know why you're keeping your sexuality or gender private, but just know that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. If it's a matter of safety or simply just a matter of no one's business, do not feel like you have to proudly announce your sexuality just because other members of the community are doing so. Coming out can be terrifying and quite a big deal, and it's something you'll never quite be prepared for.

The performance of "coming out" is something you never stop doing. Yes, there's the initial, "Hi, I'm ___" in order to get it off your chest, but since we live in such a heteronormative society, you have to keep coming out in little ways from day to day. Like, telling a guy that you find women too in order to get him to stop hitting on you at a bar or telling your aunt that no, you don't want to meet her coworker's son, because men simply don't do it for you. It's not a one and done thing. And no one said it's easy

I mean, even Youtubers who have millions of followers still feel scared to come out and tell the world who they are. They may be doing so on an international platform, but the self-acceptance and strength in doing so is a universal thing. Dan Howell, a YouTuber with over six million subscribers, recently came out in a 45-minute video chronicling his life story and explaining his fears about coming out. He makes a multitude of incredible points that are said in a much more eloquent voice than I ever could.

No one's story is the same, but we all share a common thread that ties us together in this community of diverse, amazing human beings. Pride month is a beautiful time where we remember the origins of pride, remind people that we are humans who simply want to love another person, and celebrate diversity in the process.

Know that your brothers, sisters and siblings in the LGBTQ+ community are celebrating you, too. We're all here to love one another and create a positive and accepting world, and you're included in that. Just because you don't wear a pride flag on your back doesn't mean you're not walking with us.

You're awesome, you're still part of us, and know that whenever you're ready, we'll be here with open arms and a whole lot of rainbows to wrap you in.