Let us love one another as well as come out of the closet

Today is National Coming Out Day and this year has a certain degree of poignancy due to the recent suicides of lgbt youth.

But I want us to do something a bit different this year because it's about more than just coming out.

Let's never forget about the children, but don't leave the adults out of the equation.

Just because you are over 18 doesn't mean you don't get hit with the slings and arrows of hopelessness.

Just because you are an adult doesn't mean that the realization that some people have awful preconceived notions about your life simply because you are gay won't leave you bedridden wishing to end it all.

Take it from me when I say that I know this on a personal level.

And please don't start bashing anyone because of what I say. I've done all I have done and said all I have said about the religious right. And I will continue to do so. Some people have attacked President Obama and they will continue to do so.

But all in all, we are the solution to this problem.

I don't mind telling you that there are some facets of the lgbt community that I'm unfamiliar with. I'm not a lesbian nor am I transgender so no, there are some things they go through that I will probably never understand.

But that doesn't mean I should dismiss their worries, fears, and concerns. And it definitely doesn't mean that when I see a lesbian or transgender whom I don't know that I shouldn't give then a friendly greeting.

For this National Coming Out Day, we are all going to get together in our groups and have our vigils complete with speeches, lighted candles, and tears.

But what about afterwards?

Why do we need to wait for our children to die before getting to know and respect each other? Why is it that death on this scale suddenly induces the Scarlett O'Hara in crisis mode in each of us when the most simple thing for us to do would be to treat each other with dignity and respect at all times.

For those who aren't transgender to respect those who are.

For those who are from a high socioeconomic background to respect those who aren't and vice versa?

For those who have their "circle of friends" to maybe say hello and make conversation with someone not in their clique.

For those who may or may not believe in religion or politics to respect the differences of opinion that their fellow lgbts bring to the table.

We talk about self-love but let's not forget about love and respect for each other no matter what race, religion, or background. We take the word "gay community" for granted because usually when we speak it, our minds gravitate to those who look like us, think like us, and at times behave like us.

The "gay community" is universal and diverse. No doubt people agree with me when I say this. But instead of simply agreeing with me, how about acting like you mean it.