Orange Is the New Gay

Another day, another lovely coming out moment. Another state’s highest courts overturns the ban on same-sex marriage. It’s an exciting time to be gaymo, let me tell you. If you didn’t read it late last week, I highly recommend you give a read to “Orange Is the New Black” writer Lauren Morelli’s coming out essay.

This is probably the most personal thing I will ever write, so the internet seemed like a good place for it. http://t.co/ASA31AWgVp

— Lauren Morelli (@lomorelli) May 21, 2014

Playfully titled, “While Writing for 'Orange Is the New Black,' I Realized I Am Gay,” it’s touching and telling in many ways. But I think the part that resonates the most was how Lauren spoke about feeling like an outsider among her own community.

Lauren spoke about how, “uncomfortable I felt around groups of lesbians.” And it’s the same feeling Ellen Page spoke of after coming out, saying, “I felt awkward around gay people; I felt guilty for not being myself.”

The days when the closet was the standard are dwindling. Not that people need to come out before they are ready. But the numbers who have come out and the example they set makes it easier for each other person. Which is really wonderful. And the welcoming community waiting for people when they embrace who they are is even more wonderful.

To quote Lauren again:

“Now, when I am in the writers' room or on set, I no longer feel like I am stuck in the middle of two truths. I belong because my own narrative fits in alongside the fictional stories that we are telling on the show: stories of people finding themselves, of difficult paths and of redemption.”

Indeed, it’s an exciting time for us gaymos. Come on and join the fun.