Milestone Missed

There is no greater injustice than a personal milestone passed in silence. See? Yet another reason to blog with greater fervor and without pausing for two months *cough* Miz Moffatt*cough, cough*

I seek reconciliation with the person I was one year ago and the person I am at the moment of writing this post now.

On August 28, 2009, I made the major passage from closeted so-and-so to out 'n' proud woman on the home front. From where I sit at this moment, I have now been out to both parents for over one year.

ONE YEAR, people.

The revelation is humbling. It caps off a personal adventure spanning almost a decade, encompassing most of my teen years and the entirety of my adult life.

I first came out to myself when I was sixteen.

I first came out to others when I was eighteen in the safe confines of "CampOut," a coming out discussion group.

I came out to my Sister when I was twenty-one, spurred on before I was quite confident enough.

I came out to a high school best friend when I was twenty-two and tired of displacing all responsibilities for myself.

And then, in 2009, I took the leap and outed myself to the lil' Brother and the 'rents in the span of one month. I never thought I would reach that point where I was comfortable enough with myself to talk with them as equals, to not ask permission but to present the simple fact of who I am with the understanding I might not be met with acceptance.

One year later and I have attended Toronto's main Pride parade with my Sister.

One year later and I have noticed the sudden appearance of "partner" in my family's vernacular where "husband/wife" or "girlfriend/boyfriend" once existed.

One year later and there are new discussions in the home focused on understanding queer issues and where it places us as a family.

Total head rush.

And I took that milestone for granted and let it pass without its due respect.

So here is to that night in August and here is to the kids in years to come who will embark upon the same journey I did.