Rethinking the Closet: Coming Out LGBTQ* vs Inviting In | Uchenna Umeh, “Dr. Lulu” | TEDxFaurotPark

What if there were no closets for LGBTQ+ persons to come out from? Whose closet is it anyway? Why does society choose to hideaway any human experience in the closet?
What if rather than coming out to you, you became an ally and earn your invitation in, by creating safe spaces for the Queer person around you?
How would that reflect on their overall mental health?
Find answers to these questions and more in this thought-provoking talk by Dr. Lulu, pediatrician, parent of a transgender youth, and parent coach. Enjoy! Dr. Lulu aka the Momatrician is a Nigerian-born, pediatrician and mom of a non-binary transgender young adult. She is a life coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, talk show host, actress, podcaster, LGBTQ* advocate and youth suicide prevention activist, former Lt. Col and commander and disabled US Air Force veteran.
Dr. Lulu has been featured on local, national, and international television including The Diaspora Show on the Nigerian Television Authority, and the nationally syndicated CBS This Morning with Gayle King. She is the bestselling author of “How to Teach Your Children About Racism”, “A Teen’s Life”, “How to Raise Well Rounded Children”, and “The Warrior Women Project”. Her next book: “Invited In, is due out May 2022. In addition to freelance writing and features on numerous media outlets, Dr. Lulu is also the host of “The Parent Hour with Dr. Lulu” radio show, The Pride Corner, and The Parents of Queers Podcasts. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@katriennachtergaele4391]

As allies we can really see the person who's invited us in, and focus on what they might need from us. That is enough. Thank you!

[@pattibevilacqua8389]

Dr. Lulu shares a unique perspective on "coming out," which I think is a game changer - INVITING PEOPLE IN is an idea very appropriate for the year 2022 and beyond - I really like the way Dr. Lulu made me feel like she was talking to me and her mannerisms added even more to her TEDx Talk - thank you for providing a grounded example to address the LGBTQ community

[@moms4transkids]

First off, thank you! Secondly, yes indeed! We must all become acutely cognizant of what else society is expecting us to hide, right? If there was ever a time we needed the change and to earn our invitations, it is now! Thank you again! :)

[@CrystalDarby]

I love Dr. Lulu's honesty in sharing her own story and what she has learned. This was inspiring and provided real-world advice for those who may need to accept things that are unfamiliar. I love the idea of accepting first and then working toward understanding. Excellent advice!

[@lukeblankenship6000]

Great message, thank you for sharing your story. Your daughter is lucky to have you. ❤

[@DrStemBeEncouraged]

Bravo much needed candid Talk and Openness especially in our African and African American Communities as well as All Communities. Congrats and well done Doc. This is the beginning of many many more conversations to come 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@b.o.gbadebomd2694]

This is a great talk and very informative and enlightening

[@jonathanmayo2002]

I love the idea of inviting people in and the concept of autonomy and keeping your own power! This is a great way to look at things!

[@hangingfromtheceilingupsid4934]

So powerful!!! I love this message! I’ve always said that “coming out” was so unfair…love the concept of “inviting in”. Great job in your talk!!

[@moms4transkids]

Thank you so much!!!! I appreciate you! Pray-tell, is this the first time you have heard this phrase used this way?

[@katesanchez1754]

Lovely lovely ideology here. Thank you for changing hearts.

[@SharonsYTchannel]

Thank you for sharing and helping. others.

[@moms4transkids]

Thank you so much!

[@miayang28]

Thank you for inviting us in! Let’s all treat each other as whole persons without shaming or judgment.

[@moms4transkids]

That part! Thank you is the very least thing I can say right now. I am a mix of relief, and joy! :)

[@kwaviagbeyegbe1288]

Yes inviting in and that can be revoked at any time. I love it. Such an empowering process for the individual. Thank you for sharing this.

[@moms4transkids]

And thank you for watching! So, how will you implement what you learned from the talk?

[@Januarysch]

Such a great Ted talk! Thank you for sharing

[@topefapohunda4950]

This was such an inspiring talk, so enlightening, truly let’s throw the keys to the closet away!

[@moms4transkids]

Right? So, I am guessing that was your one takeaway? ":)

[@stellabustos8882]

It was powerful! It spoke to everyone in the room and sparked questions that might have been in their personal closets - to be asked and silently answered. Congratulations

[@amylucas2690]

soooo beautiful to see a mother like this

[@DominicRivera-gr6bj]

Perfectly said. Thank you for using your platform to make this world a more inclusive place :)

[@lindabrumskine6329]

Congratulations Dr. Lulu!

[@Drkangong]

Great talk Dr Lulu. Very articulate and beautifully done !!Kudos

[@MomsLettingGo]

You're such an inspiration to so many. Well done. So glad we met.

[@moms4transkids]

Yes, ma'am, meeting you was one of the highlights of the month of October, 2022! What was your one takeaway?

[@bayocurry-winchell818]

Thabk you Dr. Lulu for highlighting this important message. Great job!

[@moms4transkids]

Thank you!!!!

[@adriannaaddicks8821]

Such a great talk. Thank you for everything you do!

[@miavillarreal6496]

YASSS QUEEN speaking some facts🗣️💯

[@immersiveexperiences4799]

Wonderful!

[@b.c.1534]

Love this and your message ❤ thank you for sharing!

[@b.o.gbadebomd2694]

This is a great talk, informative and enlightening. Well done 👏

[@moms4transkids]

Thank you!!

[@jessicaanderson6550]

Wow. Bravo - can't wait to see you this summer at the Atlanta Comfort Conference!!

[@marymase4873]

Love this

[@Bersyukurlah897]

Happy Pride