Question: The Coming Out Process
Answer: Coming out is the process of accepting your sexual orientation and telling family, co-workers and friends. Coming out is different for every gay or bisexual person. Some experience fear, pain, and frustration. Others find the process less difficult.
Why is it called a process?
Coming out happens in stages: first coming out to yourself (also called "coming in"), then disclosing your sexual orientation to others. Many continue disclosing their sexuality over time, not as a one time announcement.
To ease the transition, I suggest coming out to those that are most likely to support you (like a close friend, trusted teacher, or parent), then come out to others. A support system can help ease any fears and anxieties that sometimes come along with coming out.
Do I have to come out to everyone?
Not at all! Coming out to yourself does not mean you have to tell others. However, many that tell other people find it freeing to be able to share parts of their lives that they otherwise would keep secret.
Why is it called a process?
Coming out happens in stages: first coming out to yourself (also called "coming in"), then disclosing your sexual orientation to others. Many continue disclosing their sexuality over time, not as a one time announcement.
To ease the transition, I suggest coming out to those that are most likely to support you (like a close friend, trusted teacher, or parent), then come out to others. A support system can help ease any fears and anxieties that sometimes come along with coming out.
Do I have to come out to everyone?
Not at all! Coming out to yourself does not mean you have to tell others. However, many that tell other people find it freeing to be able to share parts of their lives that they otherwise would keep secret.
