At some point, every out LGBT person had to 'come out'. There's
many ways to come out with some more logical than others. This
guide will help you decide which way is best for you.
- 1. Hold a party
Have a coming out party, get drunk and reveal that your
sexuality isn't what people once thought. Solving problems through
alcohol isn't condoned but relaxed, social environments can make
situations like 'coming out', 'dancing on tables', or 'telling your
parents that you failed your exams', easier. Downsides to telling
people whilst intoxicated: the next day. Hopefully you'll wake up
with full recollection of what you said and to whom. Chances are,
if you're drunk… others will be too. Let's hope they remember so
you don't have to repeat it all over again.
Coming-out-o-meter score: 2/5
- 2. Write a letter
It's common to find difficulty in knowing what to say, how to
say it, or who to tell first. Benefits of writing a letter: the
removal of actually having to say anything; it can be as
short or as long as you like; you avoid the uncomfortable
eye-contact received when verbally coming out; and often the person
who receives your letter doesn't ask questions and carries on like
normal - most likely because they already knew your
sexuality. One problem with letters: often the people you're
writing to want to discuss it with you. Most of the time
the conversation you thought you avoided will happen, just not on
your own terms or timing.
Coming-out-o-meter score: 3/5
- 3. Invite people over, stand in your closet, play Diana
Ross's I'm Coming Out, and simply come right out
The more flamboyant, the better, so why not go all-out and come
out both literally and figuratively? If you're a natural loud
person, this can be reflected through the way you come out; be
yourself and be proud of who you are. The only weakness to this
method is it can lead to people assuming you're joking. Once the
issue is on the table though, the hard part is over.
Coming-out-o-meter score: 4/5
- 4. Don't make a big announcement, just slip it
in
Picture the scene: You're in your kitchen with some friends;
you're deciding whether to have jam or marmalade on your toast. One
friend asks you which you'd prefer, you reply: "I'm gay". They
repeat the question, asking again which you'd prefer, you reply:
"Jam, please." You're done, you came out and you have jam
on your toast. Coming out doesn't have to be big and it doesn't
have to be a major event in your life.
Coming-out-o-meter score: 4/5
- 5. Don't come out; let people find out
Imagine you live alone, and suddenly you decide you'd like to
become a vegetarian. You wouldn't call everyone you know and break
the news that you have, in fact, converted to vegetarianism. This
can be the same for coming out, apart from that your sexuality
probably wasn't something you made a conscious choice about. If you
find a girl you like and you make the brave move of introducing her
to your friends, they'll work it out. Often, the less of a big deal
you make it, the less of a big deal others will make it.
Coming-out-o-meter score: 5/5
You're young, or newly-accepting of your sexual orientation;
you're probably scared of not being accepted, and you'd probably
rather everyone just knew, rather than having to explain
yourself or answer any unwanted questions. Whether your method of
coming out is flamboyant or composed, don't be frightened. It's a
life-stage that can be as big or as relaxed as you like. There may
be prejudice regarding your sexuality, but those who care for you
will do so regardless of your sexual preference.
