I came out in stages — testing the waters with family and friends, strategically drawing lines between and within my networks and support systems. Looking back, that was largely about other people’s journeys and stories. When I shed that, I found that my family and friends had no issue supporting and accepting my sexuality because they already accepted me. I’m very aware of my privilege to have experienced such love. The confidence that came from (slowly) freeing myself of someone else’s shame has made me a stronger, reflective and more determined person who can now be a better advocate for myself and others.