Coming Out Tips

By Ramon Johnson, About.com Guide to Gay Life

Our family and friends mean the world to us and sometimes are our world. When we're in the closet, those relationships can seem so fragile, especially when we're not sure what their reaction will be to our sexual identity. The fear of rejection is very real. No one wants to lose loved ones, so coming out may not seem worth the risk.

Oftentimes, we focus so much on what we may lose by coming out that we forget about what we may gain: Openness and freedom to finally express ourselves openly. Many out gay men can attest that coming out was worth the risk and have gone on to lead healthy, happy and affirmative lives.

Before Coming Out
How To Come Out
Coming Out To Family and Friends
Coming Out at School
Coming Out at Work

Coming Out Stories
Coming Out To Your Spouse
Coming Out To Your Doctor
When Your Kids Come Out
When Your Husband is Gay

Before Coming Out

You too can be happy! This isn't a statement from a late night infomercial, it's true. I was once suffocated by a cloud of loneliness and fear when I was in the closet. Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore. I decided to come out. Coming out to some people was more painful than others, but overall I don't regret my decision to live out in the open. I'm finally myself—free! These steps helped me along the way. They can help you, too!

How To Come Out

These step-by-step tips can help guide you through the process of coming out.

Coming Out To Family and Friends

Coming out can be a risk and isn't always a pleasant experience, especially if you've been rejected by family or friends. How you deal with this situation can make all the difference between becoming a statistic or leading a healthy same-gender loving lifestyle.

Coming Out at School

Off to college—gay? College can be a time to explore and break free from home and high school in your quest to be who you really are. But, before you dive in dorm-first, follow these tips for a better gay college experience.

Coming Out at Work

John won't stop talking about his new fiancé. Andre jokes about his wife's new tattoo. Eric repeatedly complains about his nagging girlfriend. And this is all at work! There your sit quiet, avoiding every social conversation, since your gossip would be, not about a woman, but another man. In order for you to share in the man-to-man pow wow, you have to come out. But are you ready?

Coming Out Stories

Personally, reading other people's coming out stories gave me the courage to come out. The same can be true for you. Read these coming out stories then help others by, sharing your coming out story.

Coming Out To Your Spouse

Coming out to your spouse can be quite difficult, given the relationships you built and the life you shared together. Too many men still live on the down low. This scenario can be devastating to your wife. She deserves an honest husband and you deserve a life free of hiding, hidden desire and pain. Use these resources to help you come out to your spouse.

Coming Out To Your Doctor

Should you come out to your doctor? There are specific health issues gay men should be concerned about. Some health care providers are more gay-friendly than others. Find out how to find a gay-affirmative health care provider and decide when it's the best time to tell your doctor about your sexuality.

When Your Kids Come Out

You suspect your kid of being gay, but how do you talk to him or her about it? How you handle their coming out to you is directly linked to their future well being. They need your support during this difficult time. It can help them build confidence and make better, more healthy, decisions. Take a proactive approach and talk to your kids. Help them help themselves.

When Your Husband is Gay

Whether you suspect your husband is gay or he's just come out to you, this resource is for you.

Ramon Johnson
Gay Life Guide

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