“Coming out is a leap of faith,” asserts PJ Brescia. “I came out at 27, and again at 31 as nonbinary. Each experience brought me closer to my authenticity, and I’m excited to keep pulling back the layers of who I am.”
These experiences led Brescia to create BabyGay, a nonprofit and media platform “that celebrates the coming-out process and humanizes the queer experience.” This year, the nonprofit launched a podcast. And along with the L.A. City Council and the historic Black Cat Tavern — the site of a pivotal 1967 queer uprising that led to The Advocate’s launch — BabyGay helped Los Angeles become the first major U.S. city to officially recognize National Coming Out Day. They hope to expand this recognition to other cities.
“Sharing queer and ally stories in the historic Black Cat, our home base and greatest ally, has brought me tremendous joy and excitement,” says Brescia.
“Even in these challenging times, queerness is a source of joy, connection, and light,” they add. “We must be there for each other, queer people and allies, standing together as one community.” @pjbrescia
