From the site:
"What is Pagan Coming Out Day?: It’s a day when individuals, deciding on their own terms, take a step that helps foster a society that truly does tolerate all religions. It’s also a day when our religious community comes together to support those coming out to a person or group and celebrates the more public emergence of their Pagan identity." ~http://internationalpagancomingoutday.wordpress.com/about/faq/
I've personally never had a specific moment or day when I "came out" as a Pagan. I've always been the kind of person to openly state my spiritual path when asked. I don't hide it, and I don't flaunt it in inappropriate places- by that, I mean that I am not a Pagan evangelist. I wear a tree-of-life pentacle (and sometimes matching earrings- lol) but in a workplace environment, I don't go around introducing myself and stating that I'm a Pagan, then explaining what that means. If someone remarks on my necklace (which happens regularly), I will respond accordingly.
"That's a pretty necklace!" - "Thank you!"
"What is the meaning behind your necklace?" - "It's a tree of life pentacle..a symbol of life and protection".
"Are you Wiccan?" - "No, but if you know what Wicca is, I can say that you're pretty close."
If asked for more detail, I'll give it.. but I try not to jump on every question as "an opportunity to educate".. sometimes, it's best to show your belief through action and character. Most times, people want to know more, and I will educate as long as they are interested in hearing. Suffice to say that there isn't a person in my life with whom I'm acquainted that doesn't know I'm Pagan, and more specifically, that I am a Witch. It is who I am, not just what I believe.
For those of you who've had a coming out experience, I want to encourage you to encourage others by going to the Pagan Coming Out Day Facebook page and share your story with them on their wall. If you have a blog and want to blog about it there, please do, and share it with them as well.
If today is your chosen day for coming out, I want to applaud you. If you need any help at all, please feel free to reach out to me through the form at the top of this blog, on my Facebook Page, or via email. I'm so happy for you!
If you've chosen to stay in the closet for your personal and professional protection, please know that this movement is not disparaging you in any way. I believe I speak for the majority of us when I say that we get it- totally. If I can do anything for you as well, don't hesitate to reach out.
I want to thank the organizers and promoters of this movement for their support and encouragement of others. The more of us that are "out there", the more our collective voice is heard, and the more difficult it is for those who would vilify us to be able to do so.
Have a wonderful Friday and Coming Out Day!
Sláinte,
Kallan