In recognition of National Coming Out Day (October 11), Alicia Arballo—a transgender woman who made the decision to medically transition at 62 years old, and has supported numerous LGBTQIA+ students as a public school teacher and counselor—explores the coming out process: understanding grief, finding resilience, and developing positive self-regard.

Alicia Arballo is a life-long educator who worked the for LAUSD as a counselor and teacher. She has facilitated her school’s Gender, Sexuality, and Allies groups providing a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ students. She is also a musician, playing guitar since the age of six, and is currently working on a chapbook of poetry. She has three grown children, and is legally separated from her spouse of over 30 years. She continues to advocate for trans affirming healthcare for all ages, and volunteers as a community captain for the Transgender Empowerment Project, where she provides, support, guidance, and resources for trans folk throughout California.