Coming Out
Coming out is an ongoing process. Once a LGBTQ person “comes out” to him or herself, the next steps involve letting others know. Others may include one’s family members, friends, employers, co-workers, health care professionals, etc. This is a life-long process requiring an ongoing commitment and choices faced every day about who to tell...
- Living Openly
- Having the Conversation
- When Coming Out
- Resources
- LGB Models
- Family, Friends, and Allies
- Stages of Gender Variance
Coming Out & Living Openly
- Make a coming out plan
- The decision to tell :
- What people say or don’t say when LGBTQA issues come up are clues
- Are you well-informed about LGBTQA Issues?
- Common myths & misperceptions
- Do you know what you want to say?
- Do you have support?
- Is this a good time?
- Can you be patient?
- Living openly is the ongoing phase after you've talked with people important to you about your life as a LGBTQ person and are able to tell new people that come into your life fluidly, when and where it feels appropriate.
Having the Conversation
- Coming out hopes and expectations
- Acceptance
- Understanding
- Love
- Reassurance
- Comfort
- Acknowledgement of your feelings
- Support
- Common responses to having someone come out
- Relief
- Anxiety
- Uncertainty
- Honored
- Supportive
- Curiosity
- Disbelief
- Anger
When Coming Out
- Don’t assume prejudice
- Provide resources
- You can’t always predict how someone will respond
- Be aware that every person has their own story
- Be aware of diversity within the LGBTQ community; unique challenges for different populations
Resources