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Coming out is a challenge many closeted LGBTQ+ people struggle with. It requires a lot of mental, emotional and even logistical preparation.
If the news isn't received well, having a safe place to go is something LGBTQ+ people need to consider before coming out.
Everyone's journey is different. It is a person's prerogative to come out when they are ready to, without giving in to social pressure.
But this notion was lost on The View host Joy Behar who trivialized the process for closeted LGBTQ+ people by encouraging them to "just come out" at Thanksgiving.
Hear Joy Behar's controversial Thanksgiving coming out advice https://t.co/x2aVLLD1Td #NEWS pic.twitter.com/yJPwDnVqII
— Woody (@Knewz_Currently) November 29, 2021
Behar and her co-host, Whoopi Goldberg, were discussing the political topics that may come up at the family table during the holiday feast.
“I’d like to suggest to everybody out there, come out to your family this Thanksgiving," said Behar during Wednesday's program.
"Just come out! See what happens."
You can watch the clip, below.
AVOIDING POLITICAL TALK THIS THANKSGIVING? The co-hosts discuss if politics is a topic that is better left off the table this #Thanksgiving and question if it will be a tricky conversation to avoid. https://t.co/cVclFZyKV0 pic.twitter.com/vd3CfcyzVH
— The View (@TheView) November 25, 2021
Behar continued:
“If you’re gay, come out. Meaning be your authentic self. I’m old enough now, I know that life is short… I say that you should be yourself, this is my philosophy in life.”
Although her intentions might have been good, some people felt the frivolous nature of her encouragement was a bit out of touch with reality.
Wish it were that easy
— Curtis (@Curtis66142807) November 27, 2021
It’s the “see what happens” for me.
The amount of friends I know that were kicked out of their homes once they came out & how that instability changed their life trajectory.
Idk why @JoyVBehar thinks she has the license to advise queer folk on what to do in regards to coming out https://t.co/SZU7dxwLff
— Cacao 🇳🇬 (@OhWho_OhLu) November 29, 2021
And don’t tell gay people what they should and shouldn’t do.
— MyRace_Human (@MyraceHuman) November 27, 2021
I couldn’t tell if she was encouraging people or threatening them.
— Twerk-Bajir (@JoePGould) November 24, 2021
Spoken by someone who truly has no idea what that even means
— Wally Bee (he/him) (@thewallybee) November 25, 2021
@JoyVBehar I usually support you but telling people to come out on Thanksgiving was just wrong. Coming out isn't a funny subject. It's very serious and life changing for many of us.
— JR (@HugYourLove) November 26, 2021
People didn't appreciate a significant moment in a person's life being treated so frivolously.
Joy Behar needs to have several seats. Unless I missed a memo she's not LGBTQIA and has no idea what results coming out at Thanksgiving might have. Not everyone is in a safe space.
— Ben is judging you for wearing crocs. (@GoldenGirlsFan6) November 29, 2021
That's right kids. Don't forget to use #JoyBeharComeOutChallenge when you post their reactions.
— Luv (@peacegreatlove) November 24, 2021
If you think this is a good idea, you better be ready for all kinds of reactions. Why did Joy Behard say this with her tongue in the bottom gum area as she was smiling? Why?
— J A. Gonzalez 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇮🇹🏳️🌈 😷 Wear one dummy (@madamJo1313) November 26, 2021
JOY! she wants chaos
— Ernesto Macias (@internest_the) November 24, 2021
There was much sarcasm in response.
Oh phew. Now that I have Joy’s blessing, I think I’m ready to come out.
— 🦦Zad Efron (@Sharpurr1) November 25, 2021
Guess we don’t have a choice now 😩
— Dirk Patrol (@siriusgray91) November 24, 2021
pic.twitter.com/OuB4iJuFN4
— Delia B'Delia ♉️☀️ (@nutellastampede) November 24, 2021
Her comment came as a surprise since Behar is a recipient of a GLAAD award in 2010 for discussing and raising awareness of the many issues and challenges LGBTQ+ people face.