Coming out is a unique experience from person to person. It can be the process of sharing one’s sexuality and/or gender identity with others (to come out to friends and family). It can also be the process by which one comes to accept one’s own sexuality and/or gender identity (to come out to yourself).
Coming out can be a lifelong process as folks negotiate when and/or how to come out in different contexts with different people (e.g. your classmate, your coach on a new sports team, your friends in a religious group). One’s reasons for coming out vary, and not everyone can emotionally, physically, financially, and/or spiritually afford to do so.
A few questions to consider about coming out may include: What does coming out look like for me? Why is it important to me, if at all? What am I excited about? What are my concerns? Why now? Are there any potential risks? Are there supports that I might need?
To be respectful of someone’s desire not be out, or to be out differently in different contexts, mirror the language they use to describe themselves in that space and avoid disclosing information about their gender and/or sexual identity.
If you are considering what coming out might mean to you, we invite you to reach out to us, visit our resources page, or consider making use of one or more of the services below.