Coming OUT

Coming Out

Identifying yourself as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) and disclosing this to other people is often referred to as ‘coming out’.

Many people find that coming out is a positive experience. However, coming to terms with confusion about identity can have both positive and negative effects on many aspects of a person’s life, including social relationships, school or work, and self-esteem. Coming out can be a difficult time; many LGBT people fear negative reactions, rejection and upsetting people they are close to. In many parts of the world strong cultural attitudes and discriminatory laws make coming out even harder.²

Despite the obstacles faced by LGBT people, every day more people around the world make the decision to come out, and many organisations are working to provide suport and campaign for the rights of people who are able to come out and live their lives openly as LGBT.

If you are having issues with coming out please call SunServe at 954-548-4602. One of their counselors can help you with your concerns. If you get a voice mail message, that means they are with someone else. Just leave contact information and they will get back to you within 24 hours with strict care for your confidentiality.

Learn about:

Find out more:

COMING OUT AS BISEXUAL

COMING OUT AS TRANS

Profiles:

Books: This has reviews and information on some of the books that I’ve read which cover issues such as being non-heterosexual, coming out, telling your parents, and so on. Some are fictional, others non-fictional. All however are good reads.

Movies: This has reviews and links to IMDB information about some of the better gay movies that are out there. It’s been a long time coming, but there are some really good quality gay movies available that you should look into.

Gay and Lesbian TV Characters: I still feel that there are not enough non-heterosexual characters on TV … in a society where so much is learned from the TV, it’s important to have role models on the TV. This page highlights some characters on TV and shows that the screens aren’t totally devoid of them.

Planet Out: A resource page that contains daily news updates on relevant gay and lesbian information from around the globe. Always a worthwhile read.

GLAAD: Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. An honorable cause, if there ever was one. This site strives to provide information on the fight for equal rights and to not be defamed for who we are.

Homosexuality: Common Questions and Statements Addressed: I’ve got to say that this is one of the most comrehensive sites around on the web and certainly worthy of a lot of attention. Sit down with an hour or two to spare and go through this page properly.

The Other Queer Page: Another comprehensive set of links on all spheres of gay life. You can find links to just about any information you want on coming out or coming to terms with yourself from this page, and plenty of links to the personal home pages of gays, lesbians and bisexuals around the world … certainly enough to prove to you that you aren’t alone.

Pinkboard Australia: This grew out of a BBS and has rapidly become one of the most popular GLBT sites in the country. In addition to hosting community information, Pinkboard also hosts a very popular personals section.

Coming Out To Your Parents: This is a brochure format web-page that you should definately read before coming out to your parents. I wish I’d known about it when I first came out to my parents!

PFLAG’s Publications on Homosexuality and Coming Out: PFLAG stands for “Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays”, and this is a truly great site to visit for information on coming out or if someone has recently come out to you.

Gabi Clayton’s Homepage: Gabi is the mother of a young man called Bill, who after coming to terms with his bisexuality, was subjected to severe hate crimes in the community and as a result of these, tragically committed suicide. Gabi’s site which commemorates Bill’s life is, while terribly sad, uplifting also.

London-Boy’s Diary: The story of a young man in London coming out to himself and others, and the life that he is leading. A truly wonderful site.

OutProud has a great brochure called: Read This Before Coming Out to Your Parents at: http://www.outproud.org/brochure_coming_out.html

Also, you might want to talk to other teens at:
http://www.youth-guard.org/projects/

What does it mean to come out?
Create a personal inventory when coming out.
Know that you are not alone.
Deal with stereotypes, discrimination and hate against gays.
Tell family and friends you’re gay when you’re ready.
Don’t give up on marriage or children.
Learn about gay love, relationships and sex.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Related Articles

Coming Out Step-by-Step
Coming Out Frequently Asked Questions
The Coming Out Process
Coming Out & Coping Tips for Gay and Bisexual Men
Coming Out of the Closet

Coming Out and Staying Out – A guide to coming out for gay and bisexual men.
Coming Out Can Reduce Sexual Prejudice - A national survey study finds that heterosexuals who personally know a gay man or lesbian have more favorable attitudes toward gay people in general than do heterosexuals without such contact.
Coming Out to Your Parents – What to expect, and questions to ask yourself when telling your parents that you are gay, lesbian or bi
Cool Page for Queer Teens – Useful information for GLBT teens about coming out, problems in school and at home, religion. Several links and expert consultations.
The Fine Art Of Being Come Out To: A Straight Person’s Guide To Gay Etiquette – Guide to the casual, advanced and beyond coming out.
For Parents of Gay Children – Information guide for parents trying to understand their gay children. Initial shock, questions and answers, concerns and personal stories.
Gay Life – Advice on being homosexual and meeting others.
GayHealth: Coming Out – A collection of articles on issues relating to coming out published on GayHealth.com
GayHealth: Coming Out – News and articles on coming out operated by lesbian and gay medical professionals.
GLBTQ Education: Identity Formation and Coming Out – Identity formation and coming out process in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning people is not well understood. Internet resources, reports, papers, books, abstracts, and bibliography.
How Do You Know? – An article by Janis Cortese about coming out and how does one know one is gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
How to be a Happy Lesbian – Resources and links for lesbian women, and PDF download of part of the book, “How to be a Happy Lesbian: A coming out guide” (requires email address and name).
Human Rights Campaign – National Coming Out Project - A public education and outreach program of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation promoting values of honesty and openness about being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender on campus, in the workplace and at home.
Ken & Jim’s Place – Help for gay Christians coming out.
Lesbian for dummies – A sex guide that offers information and encouragement to all women who desire women whether you are lesbian, bisexual, butch, femme, androgynous, or transgender.
My Child is Gay. – My child is gay. Now what do I do? Answers the questions most parents when learning their child is gay. Helping out in the community and resources.
National Coming Out Project – Resources and event information for the Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas area.
Outpath Coming Out Archives – Search through the stories of many people who have come out.
Parent/Child Health Information – Coming Out – A health-based site with facts and suggestions for young people thinking about coming-out and their parents.
ReachOut! – Sexuality and coming out – Fact sheets and referral for youth who believe they may be gay, lesbian or bisexual and things to consider when coming out.
Stages of Coming Out – Article on stages of coming out.
Support for Parents and Gay Kids During the Never-ending Coming-Out Process – Personal stories and advice from moms and teens. Also includes links.