Dear Brayden,

A struggle with coming out is always hard. For anyone who has ever felt even a little bit wary of others’ judgements on who they are will find this struggle as well. How do you know your family members are homopobic? Have they actively insulted other homosexuals? Hate is fundamentally driven by fear and ignorance. Do you think their views would change on homosexuals if they knew you, their own blood, was gay? Regardless, you should come out, because if this is who you really are, it is not worth the effort of hiding it, even if you’re afraid you will be outcast.

If it gives you any more courage to come out, today and tomorrow are International Coming Out Day. How convenient eh?