Printable View
Even with all those models like LA Verne cox, Janet Mock, Carmen Carrera, Geena Rocero, Isis King, Gisele Alicea, Leyna Ramous, Dina Marie, Nina Poon, Juliana Huxtable, Niki M'nray, Pêche Di, Carmen Xtravaganza and Yasmine Petty out in the open and taking risk that have paid off.
Should they come out already?
Maybe, but it's their decision to make, not ours. Everyone has their own reasons for being in or out and will come out as it suits them. I recall seeing this debate some years ago in the gay community. Some of the more militant people felt that all gays should be outed with or without their permission, on the grounds that the more visible they are as a group, the faster they could achieve legal equality. Maybe so, but on a personal level, one's own "outing" could be very traumatizing if handled badly or if poorly timed. You can encourage your friends in the way you think they should go, but never use coercive methods.
Yes, there is a distinct parallel to this situation compared to lesbians, gays and bisexuals. Coming out is not just a one-time thing. Everyone that folks come in contact with is a decision point: Do I Come Out To Them, Or Not? There may be people that you choose to come out to and others that you don't. Every situation and every person is different, so there is no One Size Fits All. And, there are lots of things to consider. Could families or employment hang in the balance? How might one's family, friends and co-workers receive the news? Even if we think we can accurately predict someone's reaction, we will be wrong some of the time (both + and -).
DeeAnn
It's more than looking good or even 'hot'. I think a lot of tg woman who are completely 'passable' and even 'hot' may be established...ugggg...as men, and not all beautiful women are aspiring models!
It's great that public figures are coming out, but to me, it doesn't make it any easier. When seeing a total stranger come out, it is easy to say, "Good for her," but when someone you know and love reveals that they've been keeping a huge secret for years, it's completely different. Public figures coming out may even make loved ones feel guilty about expressing their negative feelings.
There is a distinct advantage to public figures coming out, though -- people talk about it. You can ascertain people's feelings on the subject to some extent, without bringing it up out of nowhere.