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By Esteban Marchand, from Lima (Peru)

Coming out is a defining moment in the lives of many LGBTQ+ people, a time when we can confront a discriminatory society without lies and when we become more vulnerable. Vulnerable, yet strong, and free from the burden of deception.

We can't change time, but through our actions we can inspire new generations to be free, to leave fear and shame behind. We asked a group of people: if they had the opportunity, what would they say to themselves if they saw themselves on the verge of coming out?

Francisco Flores, journalist

"I would tell my past self not to be afraid, that life is so much better out of the closet. Life is spectacular out of the closet, there are so many colors, so much light, so many cool things you can experience. I wish I had come out sooner, and lived out and lived happily. Live being myself from the beginning, like I am now, happy."

Roberto Otoya, communicator

"I would tell little Roberto that the difficult times he went through as a child, the bullying for being gay, all that awful school violence will pass. Being gay is nothing bad and you don't have to feel guilty about it. You're going to meet very nice and wonderful people. Great friends and people who will make you feel proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community."

Sergio Caro, communicator

"Dress well, wear skinny jeans, and you can wear pink. People aren't going to care what you wear. I'd also tell him not to worry so much about what people are going to say; they're not going to care that much when you tell them you're gay. If they're your friends, they'll still be your friends and they'll always be there, and they'll get to know you better and become even closer friends."

María José R Márquez, activist

"It's okay to cry because crying isn't bad. Crying helps you release emotions. Don't be afraid because the people who truly love you will support you, whatever decision you make. If they don't understand at first, sooner or later they'll be by your side and they'll love you just the same."

Alberto Castro, film director

"I would tell him not to hurt himself and not to hate those who don't understand him. One of the community's biggest problems is that we have to confront hatred with love and not simply hate all those who have grown up under what the church has taught them and who unfortunately have it ingrained in them. I always think that confronting hatred is negative."

Killasumaq Rimapa, model

"It would definitely be a huge paragraph. I would tell them that a person's gender is not going to stop them from dreaming. Every time someone tries to humiliate you or belittle you, let that be your motivation to move forward, and let that be the approach you choose to take, proving them completely wrong. When you grow up and see that you've achieved your dreams and continue to achieve what you long for, that's when those people will be left speechless."

Javiera Arnillas, actress

"I would tell her that authenticity is a treasure we must seek at all costs in order to be fulfilled, to be true to our lives, and to be happy. I would advise her not to repress herself because of what other people might say, not to cut short her life project because of the fear that the comments and opinions of people blinded by their prejudices and religious fanaticism might generate."

Paul Conde Escobar, photographer

"I would tell him not to stop believing in the fact that I'm not strange for being gay, for being queer. The world is complicated regardless of who you are. You're going to go through some very intense things in terms of confidence, finding your place, and finding yourself. Always remember who you want to be, and above all, if you don't have a role model, you'll be your own role model."

Josué Parodi, communicator

"I would tell him that what's about to happen will change your life, you're going to feel so much better. Don't be afraid to be yourself because the very person you fear most will reject you, your father, will adore you, will love you, and will shout from the rooftops how proud he is of you. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Trust that everything will be alright, that there will be many boys who will fill your heart with love, others will disappoint you, but you will be happy. And you're going to become a little more handsome."

Michelle B. Garcia, journalist

"I would tell her to 'stay strong!' I would tell her that many things are going to happen that will suddenly make her feel very bad, very confused. She's going to ask herself again what she's doing, and if what she's doing is what she really wants. But I would tell her not to back down. These are just doubts that appear in a shitty world like this, and not to let herself be defeated and to keep fighting to be the person she wants to be now, as a woman, as a human being."

Gabriela Zavaleta, architect

"I would tell her not to be afraid to trust her family. It will take some time, but they will understand. Her friends will still be there and will always love her for who she is. Don't try to do things alone; include the people you live with so everyone can have a better experience."

Bruno Fernández De Córdova Jauregui, lawyer

"I wish I could tell you not to be afraid, but I know it's inevitable, that you're going to feel fear and you're going to carry that fear with you through a lot of circumstances. You're being very strong and very brave; you'll never be as brave as you are right now. Hang in there. Life is so much better, so much calmer, out of the closet. You'll be able to breathe, and keep going with your process because it's necessary for you to face it and go through it at your own pace. Take things slowly, and you're not wrong; those who are attacking you are the ones who are wrong. Don't be afraid."