These are Hopey and Maggie, the protagonists of Jaime Hernandez’s comic Locas. Ever since I was 13, I loved reading their stories. They’re hilarious, rebellious, and smart. They are both bisexual. So am I.

National Coming Out Day means different things to different people. For some of us, it reminds us of a single proud moment when we were true to ourselves and our loved ones for the first time in our lives. For other people, like me, who did it over a period of months or years, it represents a collection of moments. Like seeing people in books or movies who look and act like you do. Like expressing those feelings through art or fashion or activism. Like being honest with people, one at a time.

Everyone’s journey is different. My journey happened through comics. Last month I sold my LGBT-themed book at SPX, where Jaime Hernandez was a guest of honor. Hopey was on my exhibitor badge. It was one of the proudest moments of my life.