Instead of expressing my true self, I chose instead to come out as a lesbian to my coworkers. I thought that identifying along the binary (gay rather than straight) was safer and easier for people — both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ alike — to understand.
While I received acceptance at work upon coming out, I knew deep down that I still wasn’t seen.As many in the world of diversity and inclusion know well, inauthenticity has consequences.
Experiencing some of these consequences, I finally summoned the courage to come out in my personal life as bisexual, and I was met with confusion and hesitation.