A day late but I can't point to the year I came out as it was an ongoing process starting around 1985. First, I told my sister because I was pretty sure she already knew (she didn't) and that she would be cool with it (she was and even chose my partner and I as the first godparents for her children). A few years later while we were standing in my aunt's apartment in, apropros, San Francisco deveining shrimp, I told mom; a while later my sister "accidently" told brother because she thought I had already talked to him; about one year after telling mom, finally worked up the courage to tell dad; people at work (have to come out all over again when you change jobs!); and on it goes. I know many people who struggled with coming out, older people who still fear coming out, people who were disowned by their family.... I feel lucky to have the supportive family that I have always had.

I have an especially fond memory of my dad, may he rest in peace, who - shortly after learning I was a lesbian - met my partner for the first time: he walked right up to her and embraced her in one of his big 'ole bear hugs.