...if I'm considering coming out?

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.

Support Groups and Counseling for BGLTQ Students:

Support Group for Trans Students

Transcend

Timing for Fall 2023 TBD
 

DROP IN SUPPORT GROUP FOR TRANS* STUDENTS
This is a confidential support and psycho-education group for undergraduate and graduate students who identify as transgender, gender queer, non-binary, gender non-conforming, or questioning. This group provides a safe and affirming space to build community, share experiences, ask questions, and gain information. Topics include social and legal aspects of gender transition, coming out during college, navigating family issues, medical interventions, physical and mental health, dating and relationships, coming out in internships/job settings, and more.

Women's Queer Group

Women's Queer Group
 
Fridays, 12-1 via Zoom

This is a confidential support group open to undergraduate and graduate LGBTQ Women interested in a safe space to discuss sexuality, relationships, family, health, academics and more.  Queer and questioning Women of Color are especially encouraged to come check things out  Interested students are invited to discuss the group in person.
 

For more information please contact Addie Wyman Battalen, PhD, LICSW 
awymanbattalen@huhs.harvard.edu

 

Men's Queer Group

Mondays 4:30 - 5:30 PM ET via Zoom

 

Support, Validation, Empowerment, Connection

Looking for a supportive and affirming space to share your experiences as a Queer man?

Check out The Men’s Queer+ group.

This psychoeducational group will work to address everyday challenges for non-heterosexual male identified students at Harvard. This group aims to empower participants to prioritize their emotional and mental well-being through exploring personal balance, self-care, and restoration skills.

In a non-judgmental space we’ll discuss:

  • Coming out challenges
  • Dating
  • Shame
  • Self-compassion and Mindfulness
  • Intersectional identities
  • Sexual health, among other topics

Limited to 10 members. Open to all registered Harvard students (undergrad, graduate, recent grads) who have paid the 2022-2023 Student Health Fee.

To schedule a pre-screening assessment or for more information contact Josué Miranda Quiles, LICSW jmirandaquiles@huhs.harvard.edu

 

Contact Peer Counseling

Contact Peer Counseling

Contact provides non-judgmental, non-directive, confidential peer counseling for Harvard undergraduates. Members are trained to handle a wide variety of issues and specialize in issues of sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender, and relationships.

For more information, check their website.

Individual drop-ins
8pm - 11pm, Thayer Lower Level B-04

 

More Peer Counseling information can be found on the CAMHS website.
 

Accessibility

Everyone is welcome in our office space! We are located in the Lower Level of Thayer Hall. Elevators can be accessed in the entrance next to Memorial Church. If you have any concerns about accessibility, please reach out to us at BGLTQ@fas.harvard.edu.