Representation for the LGBTQ+ community has and will always be important. The stigma around coming-out has both negative and positive views. It is unbelievably difficult to not only admit to yourself that you are queer, but it is also hard to tell the world. The response you receive will determine how you go about these type of situations in the future. Negative responses may even leave you regretting your decision. Being open about who you are should never be something you regret.

Some people choose to believe that the whole coming-out process is something simple, easy, and “peaceful,” but it is quite the opposite. Recently “Stranger Things” star Noah Schnapp came out on TikTok, revealing that he is gay. While the comments surfacing are the positive ones, buried underneath those are vile ones. Imagine contemplating coming-out and seeing his video. You go to the comments and expect to see support, but it ends up with bullying. Would you want to come-out after seeing a beloved celebrity get backlash?

I do not believe that this should be a press story. It is a normal thing to be queer, but everyone is making it seem surprising. I also think that these articles are dominated by straight people who know nothing about the queer experience, which sets a false positive image.