MTV is celebrating National Coming Out Day by premiering Coming Out, an hour-long special show focused on two 21-year-olds, Rachael and Nevin, as they come out to important people in their lives.
Rachael and Nevin each have slightly different issues they are facing, but both stories will resonate for anyone who has come out or is about to go through the process.
Rachael, who lives in Sacramento, California, is about to come out to her estranged father, but has fears that the relationship she does have with him permanently end should he not accept her as a lesbian.
Nevin, a college rugby player in Ohio, is working on coming out to the guys on his team, and has worries that he may be ostracized.
Both Rachael and Nevin have some people close to them who are very supportive. Rachael’s mom is completely accepting of her daughter’s sexuality, and mentions that it was not much of a surprise. Rachael’s girlfriend appears to be a healthy and stable presence in Rachael’s life, advising Rachael against planning to cut her father out of her life if he does not react well without knowing how he will actually react.
Nevin’s father and stepmom are beyond proud of him; his father drives him to the practice where he plans to come out to his teammates.
Both young adults on the show have strong support behind them, but neither is guaranteed a totally smooth ride ahead. Coming Out is also about reminding members of the LGBT community of the reasons why it is so important to be out. Acknowledging that parts of the country still have a lot of catching-up to do, the special does not hide how scary the process of coming out can be, as both Rachael and Nevin are excruciatingly nervous when their moments to come out arrive.
Coming Out premieres tonight at 7/6 c on MTV. Watch a promo clip from tonight’s premiere below:
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