As we celebrate National Coming Out Day (October 11), we recognize the bravery it takes for individuals to embrace their true selves.
Coming out is a deeply personal journey, often filled with a mix of emotions—fear, excitement, and vulnerability. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, revealing their authentic selves to loved ones and society is a powerful step toward living freely. Yet, stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers, particularly in accessing HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
Visibility is transformative. It not only empowers individuals but promotes understanding, acceptance, and lasting change in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals and our collective efforts to tackle HIV.
Billy Porter: An Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness
Billy Porter, long-time supporter of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, joined us recently in Atlanta to visit our grantee, Vision Community Foundation who is implementing training for faith leaders to reduce HIV stigma, particularly in Black, Southern faith-based communities.
Why is this so important? Despite making up only 38% of the U.S. population, the South accounts for over half of new HIV transmissions, making it one of the regions most impacted by the HIV epidemic. As trusted voices in their communities, faith leaders play a crucial role in changing this narrative.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Billy shared, “For the entirety of my existence, I’ve never felt completely safe. Every day, somewhere, there’s a conversation about whether or not I deserve to exist. The first people to reject me was the Black church. I left the church for that reason—to save myself.”
When Billy met Bishop OC Allen III, Founder of the Vision Community Foundation, something shifted. “From the minute I started talking to the Bishop, something changed. I felt safe for the first time in my life. I felt healed. He answered the call and I am truly inspired by the work that’s being done.”
The Impact of Faith-Based Leadership in Combating HIV Stigma
Faith leaders hold a significant influence in these regions, and by equipping them with the tools to combat HIV stigma, we are fostering environments where individuals can seek HIV testing, prevention, and treatment without fear of judgment or rejection.
Training faith leaders to create safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals is key to breaking down barriers that have long prevented people from accessing lifesaving resources. This is especially important in the mission to end new HIV cases, as stigma continues to be one of the largest obstacles to testing and care.
Why Visibility Matters
National Coming Out Day is a powerful reminder that visibility is not just about identity—it’s about survival. When LGBTQ+ individuals are able to live openly, they are more likely to access healthcare, get tested for HIV, and take advantage of preventative measures like PrEP. They are also more likely to form supportive networks that promote health and well-being.
“What I do know is that a person in my position with a platform, I must speak,” said Billy. “I must represent so that people know we’re all human and you can still achieve great things.”
Visibility breaks down the walls of shame and silence that because of dated stigma, surround both LGBTQ+ identities and HIV. It encourages dialogue, challenges misconceptions, and creates a culture of acceptance where everyone can thrive.
Join Us in Ending LGBTQ Stigma
At the Elton John AIDS Foundation, we are committed to ending LGBTQ+ stigma. This National Coming Out Day, we celebrate the courage of those who live openly and authentically, and we honor inclusive leaders—like Billy Porter and Bishop OC Allen III—who are driving change in their communities.
We invite you to stand with us. Whether it’s through sharing your story, supporting our work, or simply becoming more informed, you can help create a future where LGBTQ+ individuals can live free from fear.
