This is the most important question to ask yourself. If you answer something like…
- “Because I’m proud of who I am”, or
- “It is impossible to be fully happy if my sexuality remains hidden” or
- “I want to meet other gay people like me”
… then these are good reasons. If you’re doing it principally to shock or hurt people, think again. The person who gets hurt could be you.
Benefits of coming out
- A relief to unload the secret you have been keeping
- You no longer have to live a lie and can live as you want to live
- Feel better about yourself and improve your confidence and self esteem
- Develop closer, more genuine relationships with friends and family
- It can be easier to make gay friends, date and have relationships
- You won’t be afraid of people finding out any more
- All of the above will not happen at once
Considerations when coming out
- Not everyone will be understanding or accepting
- There may be negative reactions and/ or rejection
- People may treat you differently
- People may not listen, understand or take what you are saying seriously
- People may try talk you out of it
- Your personal safety may be at risk
