With National Coming Out Day (NOCD) this past Monday, it’s not unlikely that you learned that someone in your life is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. It could have been a family member, coworker, or even a celebrity. If you yourself are part of the LGBT community, maybe you’re thinking of coming out, or are remembering what it was like when you did.

Here are some good pieces by LGBT writers on their experiences coming out and living as gay or trans.

Coming Out Is a Life-long Process, by Kathi Wolfe

Being gay in some parts of the world – and in some parts of your life – might be hard, but it can also be joyful.

Coming out as LGBTQIA+: A Personal Essay on Queer Invisibility by Shannon Collins

The author discusses how difficult it can be to secure in your identity.

Being Isabel by Isaac Amend

For some transgender people, memories of living as the wrong gender are painful; other people miss parts of those lives. Isaac Amend, a transman, reflects on this seeming paradox.

My Journey to Pride by Charles M. Blow.

Coming out as an older Black man, the author describes seeking support in a quieter older community rather than Pride parades.

I Don’t Know Who Needs to Hear This, but You Are Bi Enough by Zachary Zane

Your identity as bisexual isn’t invalidated if you’re in a relationship with a straight person.

The Taboo on Being Gay and Old by Peter Field

The gay community can have a stigma against aging, but the author pushes back on the assumption that you can’t have a fulfilling life as an older gay man.

If you want to support a newly-out person in your life, learning as much as you can is a great step towards being a straight ally. If you’re LGBT+, any or all of these pieces may offer you some insight and wisdom on your journey.