To kick off Tuesday’s White House press briefing on national “coming out” day, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre took time to tell her own story of telling her family that she is gay.
Karine discussed how her conservative, immigrant family came around to accept her for who she is, despite their traditional views.
On #NationalComingOutDay, I'm proud to share my coming out story. Like so many in the LGBTQ+ community, coming out wasn’t an easy thing to do. My family was traditional and conservative. Being gay in my family wasn’t something that you mentioned out loud or celebrated.
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) October 11, 2022
“So today is National Coming Out Day,” Jean-Pierre said, “and so I wanted to start by sharing my own coming out story.”
On this #NationalComingOutDay, I’m honored to serve @POTUS and @FLOTUS who have stood with the LGBTQ community for years – and will continue to stand with all those who have come out, are thinking about coming out, and will come out here and across the globe. pic.twitter.com/UQylaL0Ika
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) October 11, 2022
“Like so many in the LGBTQ community,” she said, “coming out wasn’t an easy thing to do. My family was traditional and conservative; being gay in my family wasn’t something that you mention out loud or celebrated.”
But my family — like many, many other families — grew to accept who I was. They saw that who I loved didn’t change who I was as a person, it didn’t change the things I like to do, and it didn’t change the goals I had for my life.
“The beauty of America is its freedoms and the promise that you can achieve your dreams no matter your race, sex, country of origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity,” she said.
She then went on to thank President Joe Biden and the first lady for their support of the LGBT community.
“This is something we continue to strive toward and fight for, particularly as we continue to see a wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country. And it’s why I’m so honored to serve the President and the First Lady, who have stood with the LGBTQ community for many years and will continue to stand with all those who come out.”
She then went on to encourage those who haven’t come out, to come out.
“And we are thinking about those who are coming out or those who are thinking about coming out, and we are here for you, and we will continue to support you.” she said.
The press conference then continued, where she spoke alongside White House Covid Response Coordinator Dr Ashish Jha.
