Parkland Survivor, LGBTQ+ Activist Cameron Kasky Comes Out As Queer

"Hi, got a second? How about a minute? Alright, great. I'm queer."

And with those simple words posted to his social media, Parkland survivor and LGBTQ+ activist Cameron Kasky came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

After candidly admitting he doesn't know "what 'type' of queer" he is, Kasky went on to say that he is "finally okay" with his sexuality despite previously harboring a desire to be straight.

"The journey towards self-acceptance is one I have been on for years now, but the most difficult aspect has been searching for meaning in sexual identity when there truly is none," said the 20-year-old Kasky. "At least not for me. I've wanted to be straight for so long. A straight guy who's done some gay stuff here and there. There's so much security in heterosexuality."

Kasky went on to credit queer activists, specifically queer activists of color, who had given their lives to the cause and said it was important to him that he follow their lead due to his white privilege.

"My role is to follow our leaders and do my best to uplift those who are less far along on their journeys than I am," Kasky wrote. "I am lucky to be queer and I am lucky to have so many role models who illuminate and inspire me. But I'm a white man. And white men contribute so much toxicity to other people's queer experiences."

Kasky was a student and on campus at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, when Nikolas Cruz, 19, opened fire on students and faculty, killing 17 and injuring another 17. It was the deadliest school shooting in the country's history. Cruz confessed to the crime in subsequent interviews with police, but his trial has been delayed repeatedly due to the global pandemic and issues over his legal representation.

Following the massacre, Kasky and several of his fellow students became outspoken opponents of gun violence and started the Never Again MSD organization. Kasky was the invited guest of U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell at the then-President Donald Trump's 2019 State of the Union Address.

Despite the seriousness of his initial post, Kasky seemed to be taking a more lighthearted approach to his coming out in later posts, joking that the vaccine made him gay.

He also advised those who are considering coming out to take their time and not rush the process.

The Columbia University student concluded his coming-out letter by thanking those who had inspired him and extending his support for those still struggling with their identity.

"I extend my infinite gratitude to those of you who have supported and uplifted me, and I am dedicated to sharing the joy and light I find on my journey with everybody who needs it," Kasky wrote. "To those of you who are also struggling to find an identity that you find authentic, take your time. Look inwards and indulge in your beauty and light. You'll find so much to love, so much to be proud of."

Congrats, Cameron! And welcome to the family!

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