October 20, 2020

Words by Theo Rabinowitz 

My coming out journey wasn’t traditional, but then again, I don’t think there is such a thing as a traditional coming out! Doing a Facebook post, or large group announcement largely wasn’t the route I chose to go, and I came out to different people in different parts of my life at different times.

One way I felt different, even from my high school and college years, from the LGBTQ community that I saw through my community as well as the media and entertainment industry, is that my interests didn’t match up with the stereotype.  Sports was one of the biggest pieces of my life growing up, and I wasn’t at all into things like fashion or theater.  I felt both out of place as a member of the LGBT community because of my interests, and out of place as a sports fan because I was LGBT.

I was fortunate enough to begin a dream job parttime at CBS Sports that I still hold to this day.  I came out to my CBS Sports coworkers 11 years into my time there, and the only regret I have is that I didn’t come out sooner!

While, in my own opinion, it is true that you should wait until you are physically, emotionally, and mentally in a safe space to come out, I also believe you need to push yourself a bit or surround yourself with people who will push you out of your comfort zone. One comparison I make is this: telling someone you’re LGBT will never be as comfortable as telling someone you’re a lefty (and I too am a lefty, so I can attest to revealing this also). It will inevitably be uncomfortable, but coming out will be worth it.  Find a way to come out that feels right to you.  I personally have come out via telling people in person, by phone call, via text, e-mail, via jokes and games. Also, tell people in the order that you feel is most comfortable, and do it unapologetically.  If one friend finds out you told another friend before them, there may be some questions from them, but if they’re your friend they will come to understand that ultimately the order at which you tell people is deeply personal to you.

Once you can push yourself out of your comfort zone a bit and come out, you will find an incredible sense of liberation.  It feels like a huge weight coming off of your shoulder, and the ability to be your true self in front of your friends and family.  It may be uncomfortable, but it will always be worth it!