We often reflexively connect the idea of "people in the closet" with LGBT individuals, but I've come to broaden my understanding of this social phenomenon recently. You see, we live in a world where individuals that deviate from the norm often feel compelled to shroud their true selves for fear of being persecuted, or worse.
I've come to recognize a multitude of closets.
There are people in your life that hide their true selves from you. They conceal their religious beliefs, they suppress their sexuality, they're embarrassed of their substance struggles or psychiatric issues because of a deep abiding fear of social consequences. Closets abound, everywhere you turn... you just have to identify them with empathy and understanding. You have to be looking for them.
Beyond the intrinsic worth of empathy, we need to lay hold of a better future wherein people can be honest. Deeply, thoroughly, painfully honest. We are currently operating in a social climate that is, above all else, intellectually dishonest. People have to lie to survive.
I was listening to President Obama speak on a podcast recently. He was waxing poetic about his own legacy, stating that he'd rather remember his time in office as a moment where diverse ideas were included instead of fixating on the minutiae of daily politics. He concluded that, if this legacy of inclusion could be cherished, the fine details of how we eventually overcome climate change or how we provide insurance for millions of Americans won't matter. It's the social philosophy that prevails. We have to champion inclusion as a society.
I identify one poignant truth in all of this: you are either part of the problem or part of the solution. You are either inviting people out of their closets or pushing them further into the darkness. You are either advocating for the marginalized and oppressed, or you are opposing them. Choose a side.
My children deserve a future where diverse ideas are included, because they could very well find themselves on the wrong side of that thin line that demarcates "normalcy". No matter your beliefs regarding the holiness and the divine, all people must recognize the fundamental need for human liberty. It's time to set the captives free.
Free from shame.
Free from condemnation.
Free from the closets we built for them.
Thank you for reading On Letting Go, a blog about dealing with the wounds of the past. If you're looking for a little background on what inspired this blog, check out the introduction. Click here for information on how you can find real and qualified mental health services for yourself or a loved one.
