What brings you peace?

Peace is often seen as the absence of disquiet and therefore emotion. However, for many people like me, it is not through some level of control or just quite a reflection that we achieve peace. Unfortunately, years of repression and avoidance makes peace elusive. In fact, moments without some form of distraction, left with our own thoughts, become torturous. In our circumstances, peace only comes from freedom, the opportunity to realise these pent-up emotions and be ourselves.

Coming out

Coming out while at times extremely scaring and traumatic can offer a type of peace. Regardless of the process, it is a moment to release our emotions and let go of control. It is often in the moment terrifying and cathartic for this very reason. The immediate aftermath may, as it was for me, still be filled with uncertainty and fear yet bring a peace I had not known. A quieting of some of the feelings plaguing moments of solitude that had begun to break through.

The Long Run

This is not necessarily a one-time experience but the beginning of a longer journey. In many cases, this will be filled with more such moments as we come out in a variety of circumstances. However, peace becomes increasingly less about these cathartic moments and more about the freedom to explore our own identity. It remains a bumpy road with many points at which we question ourselves, almost give up and fall into some level of depression, but the opportunity to be ourselves offers a more lasting peace. We can find these moments through sharing more of ourselves and inhabiting a safe space. We can find it in the progress we make to realise our identity and we find it in more genuine relationships.

Unfortunately, the road is long and many in our community will never truly realise this chance for peace. Still locked in the closet for their own safety or meet with such hostility that the chance for peace is stolen by fear and depression. This is one reason it is important that as a society we become more accepting and provide a safe supportive environment, so everyone can find some measure of peace.