9 Important Coming Out Stories We Need In Trump’s America

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7. Emily Fields – Pretty Little Liars

Let’s be honest here and agree that coming out isn’t always easy (okay, mostly not easy), especially when you grow up in a family who isn’t the most accepting of it, so it’s important to highlight a few stories that aren’t picture perfect. One that stands out the most is Emily Fields journey in Pretty Little Liars. She comes from an upper class, wealthy family who pretty much believe that there’s no other way but their own, so when Emily comes out to them, it’s shocking and confusing. And that’s realistic, isn’t it? Aren’t most stories a combination of struggle and questioning and shock and confusion? That’s exactly what Emily Fields is giving us.

Another reason this one makes the list is because it happened on one of the most watched teen dramas on TV. Seeing a journey like Emily’s has inspired so many to go through their own journey of self realization and ultimately, self acceptance. It’s bringing us a young character in high school who’s going against what society is telling her. It showcased the questioning, the accepting, the coming out, and finally, the dating. Her sexuality never defines Emily in the show and it was important to showrunner Marlene King to prioritize that.