Living Life in the Closet
Vietnam War veteran, Col. Edward Thomas Ryan passed away June 1 at 85, and he came out as gay after his passing in his obituary. Col. Ryan lived a long life and served his country, but he never publicly revealed his sexual orientation. In his obituary, he apologized for keeping his identity hidden, and that he had a long-term partner named Paul Cavagnaro. The obituary has been widely supported online. Patricia Wu breaks down Col. Ryan’s story with Ryan Heapy.
Why People Don’t Come Out
Coming out can be a daunting and complex process for many individuals. The decision to reveal one’s sexual orientation or gender identity is deeply personal and can be influenced by a variety of factors. Fear of rejection, discrimination, or even violence can be major deterrents. Societal norms and expectations, particularly in conservative or unsupportive environments, can also create immense pressure.
For more information, read Col. Ryan’s obituary.
