Definition: Coming out is the process of acknowledging, accepting, and appreciating ones sexual orientation or gender identity, and then sharing this with others. It is not a singular act, but one that is repeated over and over. Coming out and living more openly tends to be a liberating experience.

Facts:

• It is up to each individual person whether they choose to come out or not. A LGBTQIA person may not come out to every person in their life so safety reason, employment reasons, or other reasons they may deem necessary. Some people come out earlier in life while others come out later

• There is no one right or wrong way to come out.

• Each person gets to decide who they are going to tell or not tell and when it is the right time to tell that person.

• Living openly does not change who one is as a person.

Issues:

• Deciding if/when to come out can be a difficult decision for some.

• Coming out can be dangerous for some people if their social circumstances are not accepting of the news, which is why some people may not come out or choose to stay in the closet.

Important information for allies:

• Coming out is not always easy.

• Be willing to listen, sometimes that is all that someone needs is for someone to just listen to them.

• Be a friend.

• Keep an open mind.

• Do not worry about not always having all the answers

Sources: http://www.hrc.org