Jorge’s second coming out story

When I volunteered to write about my coming out story as a gay man, I didn’t initially consider sharing what I now call my “second coming out story”. However, I realized that if I wanted to write about being authentic and open, it had to be part of my narrative.  

Recently, I came out as neurodivergent to my leaders. Just a few months ago, I learned that I have autistic traits, which explains my heightened sensitivity to noise. Those who see me in the office might notice that I often wear noise-canceling headphones. While these headphones help me navigate the office environment, I feared being perceived as disengaged or overly introverted. That’s why I decided to open up to my manager and VP. After weeks of hesitation, when I finally did, their warmth and understanding made me feel valued and accepted. This experience reinforced my belief that Shoppers Drug Mart genuinely cares about creating a safe and friendly environment for its people.  

As I write this, I’m experiencing the same nervousness and hesitation I felt the first time I came out. I don’t want to be labeled or judged based on assumptions, nor do I want this to be an obstacle in my professional career. At the same time, I want to be 100% myself all the time. I want to eat lunch in the office kitchenette when it’s quieter, without feeling guilt or shame. I want to attend town halls and work conferences using my earplugs, without fearing that I’ll be misinterpreted as not wanting to connect with others. I want to work in one of the small rooms, with the lights dimmed, whenever I feel overstimulated by the artificial light, without second-guessing myself.  

While Coming Out Day was created to support members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, I believe it’s not just us who have something to come out about. Whether related to mental health, family situations, disabilities (visible or invisible), or any other challenges, many of us have experienced something we would like to share but find difficult to express.  

I feel incredibly fortunate that my loved ones have always been supportive; they have eased my path toward being my authentic self. However, I know not everyone shares this experience. Many people face significant hurdles when coming out, which can make the process even more daunting. 

To anyone fortunate enough to have someone come out to you, cherish this moment as a profound act of trust. It is never easy. I can assure you that each time we come out—yes, coming out is not a one-time event—we wrestle with that hesitant inner voice, hoping for a positive outcome. Each supportive response we receive makes the next time a little easier. 

And to those who have come out or are contemplating doing so, remember to take your time and do it at your own pace. This is your journey, and you decide how you want to navigate it. Together, let us continue to foster an environment where everyone can show up as their authentic selves. We all play a key role in making this possible.   

- Jorge Muñoz, Senior Manager, Workflow Optimization and Capacity Planning, Shoppers Drug Mart. 

Friday, October 11, was National Coming Out Day. For resources about coming out, and to learn more about other 2SLGBTQIA+ topics, visit Egale.ca (Canada’s leading organization for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and issues).