Coming Out, A Pagan Rite of Passage

Within our community there is a long-standing ethic that rites of passage manifest new responsibilities. Children participate in community coming of age ceremonies and emerge young adults with new privileges each associated with new responsibilities. Crones and Sages take on the role of wisdom keepers, with the respect their position entails comes a heavy burden to be our guides, mentors and orators of reason and community balance.

With the recent International Pagan Coming Out Day event another rite of passage has occurred. Those newly out have acquired new Pagan “Super Powers”. Each individual now faces many choices as to how they will engage their ability to influence society, change attitudes in the broader population and manifest positive changes in themselves. These individuals have taken a giant leap of trust, in confident knowledge that the tribe will support them in their new roles within the community.

For those newly out, a multitude of choices present themselves as to how and when to engage their new public stance on religious identity. Does an individual present themselves early as Pagan or do they engage in establishing them selves as a positive role model, then revealing their beliefs; establishing with the public that Pagans are community servants, teachers, firefighters, community volunteers etc?

It is tempting to shout from the highest mountain new found freedom, yet the new responsibilities associated with being a public representative of our community stirs a sense of caution, measured action and being part of something larger than ourselves.

To all those that urged others to “Come Out” now is the time to recognize our responsibility to provide support, council and loving community to those who have newly proclaimed their true selves to the world!!

To all the courageous individuals who came out last week; Your decision to take up the responsibilities and risks of this “Pagan rite of passage” also means that the community is accountable to assist you in the possible decisions and struggles that your new responsibilities may entail. As with all rites of passages, you now stand upon a precipice, rely on the love, support and wisdom of others as you peer over the edge at this brave new world.

For all those involved in Pagan Coming Out Day, this is a process that requires our continued attention, love, compassion, and trust in each other. It may be a one-day social media event, but coming out is a lifetime commitment, lets make sure our actions reflect our values in supporting our Pagan brothers and sisters