In the second episode of Random Queer Memories, we hear a coming-out story with a twist, from Eli. Eli shares her experience as an asexual, the related discussions with her family, and how it has affected her social circles back in her home country, Bulgaria. But we also hear about her experience with Erasmus+, volunteering for Active Rainbow, as well as her three-point message to the world! Coming out is a very brave thing to do, and it’s very personal and different for everyone. Eli gifted us with a wonderful episode to celebrate National Coming Out Day with!

National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an annual LGBTQIA+ awareness day observed on October 11, to support people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (a.k.a. the LGBTQIA+ community, sometimes also called the queer community) in "coming out of the closet". Coming out refers to the process queer people go through as they work to accept their sexual orientation or gender identity and share that identity openly with other people. The foundational belief of NCOD is that homophobia and transphobia thrive in an atmosphere of silence and ignorance and that once people know that they have loved ones who are queer, they are far less likely to maintain homophobic or oppressive views especially if they live in developed countries.

In the first episode of Random Queer Memories, we hear from Antonis and Giorgio, the podcast hosts. It makes sense to start with an introduction to the podcast and its hosts, so that’s what we’re doing here. Random Queer Memories is a podcast to celebrate the real-life stories of people worldwide, just like you! Every month we, Antonis (he/him) and Giorgio (he/him) host a different guest and hear the most challenging and inspiring Queer memories of their lives. Join us in a celebration of all genders, sexualities and expressions!