Navigating Identity: A Personal Journey of Coming Out and Self-Discovery

In a powerful and emotional journey of self-discovery, Jaymes Black, the CEO of The Trevor Project, shared their personal story of coming out as nonbinary on National Coming Out Day. Growing up as a Black, queer teen in South Texas in the early ’90s, Jaymes struggled with their identity and faced immense challenges when they were outed in high school.

The trauma of being bullied and ostracized led Jaymes to drop out of school, face homelessness, and battle with their sense of self-worth. Despite these hardships, Jaymes persevered and eventually found success in corporate America, climbing the ladder to senior leadership positions while being an out lesbian.

However, the nagging feeling of not living as their authentic self persisted, leading Jaymes to come out as nonbinary just a few years ago. Embracing their multitudes and claiming their identity on their own terms, Jaymes found liberation and empowerment in their second coming out.

On National Coming Out Day, Jaymes shared their story as a message of hope and empowerment for others struggling with their identity. They emphasized the importance of letting individuals come out on their own terms and the impact of outing someone before they are ready.

As the first Black nonbinary lesbian CEO of The Trevor Project, Jaymes Black is a beacon of representation and empowerment for LGBTQ+ youth. Their journey of self-acceptance and authenticity serves as a reminder that embracing and sharing our full selves can lead to personal growth and empowerment.