Coming Out

Table of Contents

Who to Tell?

Melissa L.

Published on 2023.06.11

Gender identity and/or sexuality is a deeply personal and sensitive topic. Deciding who to tell about your gender identity/sexuality can be challenging, especially in a world where the concept of gender and sexuality are often narrowly defined. It is important to remember that you do not owe anyone an explanation about your gender identity or sexuality, and it is up to you to determine who you want to share this information with. In this blog post, we will explore some tips on who to tell about your gender identity/sexuality.

Family and Friends

Family and friends are often the first people we turn to when we need support, and this can also be true when it comes to discussing gender identity and sexuality. However, it is important to remember that not everyone will be accepting or understanding. It may be helpful to first talk to those who you feel will be the most supportive and understanding. Having a support system can be crucial in helping you navigate your gender identity/sexuality and the challenges that may come with it.

Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers can play a pivotal role in supporting individuals who are exploring their gender identity. If you are seeking a medical transition, it is important to find a healthcare provider who is knowledgeable about gender-affirming care. It may be helpful to do some research or ask for recommendations from others in the LGBTQ+ community. It is also important to remember that healthcare providers are bound by codes of confidentiality, so you can trust that your gender identity will be kept private.

Workplace

Deciding whether or not to disclose your gender identity and/or sexualtiy in the workplace can be a difficult decision. It is important to consider the culture of your workplace and whether or not it is safe to disclose. If you do decide to disclose, it may be helpful to speak with HR or a supervisor first to ensure that there are policies in place to support you. It is also important to remember that discrimination based on gender identity or sexuality is illegal, so be sure to know your rights.

Deciding who to tell about your gender identity/sexuality is a personal decision that can be challenging. It is important to remember that you do not owe anyone an explanation about your gender identity/sexuality, and it is up to you to determine who you want to share this information with. Family and friends, healthcare providers, and the workplace are all places where you may choose to disclose your gender identity/sexuality. Remember to prioritize your safety and well-being, and seek out support when you need it.

Works Cited

“Coming Out as Transgender.” Human Rights Campaign, http://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out-as-transgender.

“Coming Out.” National Center for Transgender Equality, http://transequality.org/issues/resources/coming-out.

How to Tell?

Jessica L.

Published on 2024.01.07

Coming out is a difficult process for many and it is completely normal. Many worry about how their loved ones will react and how it will affect their relationships in the future. Here are some tips to help with coming out that may make the process easier:

Tell People You Are Close to and Can Trust

Telling people you can trust first is a good first step if you want to come out. This is important because telling those you are close to means that they are more likely to support you. Some worry about reactions from their loved ones which is understandable but when you come out, remember to state that you will be just the way you were and nothing will change in terms of the relationship between you and the selected individual. It can also help you keep this information a secret within a certain group or people as you can still be uncomfortable with opening up to more people outside to the immediate group or person.1

Remember to Expect Criticism When Opening Up

Whenever you decide on opening up about your sexuality, you will most likely encounter those who express discomfort towards your transition and discovery. There are also some that will definitely be shocked when you tell them. They may simply need the time to accept it and even if they do express disapproval, they may come to accept it in the future. It is important to be patient as others process this information faster than others.2

Coming Out is not a Necessity

Some people choose not to come out about their sexuality or identity but will rather keep it a secret. Although it can be really relieving in certain ways, some may still not feel comfortable about coming out. This may be because others will treat them differently and want their relationships to stay the same, not sure about whether or not it is a phase, or more. There are also some who are not sure if what they are feeling is just a phase or if they are confused about their feelings. It is important to remember that you are not obligated to come out if you are not comfortable with doing so.3

Overall, these are some tips one can use when coming out. Remember that this is a delicate process and you shouldn’t rush any process of it whether it is figuring out who you want to tell or waiting for someone to accept and process the information. Coming out is a process that many struggle with so if you are struggling, keep in mind that multiple people are also going through the same thing. To those whose loved one came out to, it is important to accept and provide support and reassurance that you still see them as who they were before. Coming out isn’t easy and it is not supposed to be. However, using tips can make the process easier and help you figure out what you want to do.

Works Cited

Guardian News and Media. (2016, May 14). 10 tips on how to come out as LGBT to family and friends. The Guardian. Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/may/14/10-tips-how-come-out-lgbt-family-friends-gay-lesbian.

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