Coming out of the closet is one big decision of your life. When you have finally discovered your sexuality and feel you shouldn’t be ashamed of who you are, you might want to come out.
However, there are certain things you need to know and understand before coming out, even after you have developed the courage and confidence to finally express who you are.
Before coming out
Remember you’re unique
Don’t come out because you’ve heard or read stories about people coming out. You have to be sure you want to do it. However, there’s no specific age or best method to come out. Coming out depends on you, your society, and the situation you find yourself in.
Have a reason to come out
You should not come out because you’re forced to or given an ultimatum to do so. You should have your reasons. It could be because you want to be open about your relationship, are look for a relationship, or meet people with similar sexual orientation. When you feel the time is right, go for it!
Consider the negative side
Sometimes you can have every reason to come out, but you have to be careful whether the community or society is LGBTQ-friendly. It might be that your family would not support you being gay. You have to be sure that coming out would not have a relationship with people who are close to you. If you think it would, then you need to have a rethink.
Know we you want to tell
Who you want to be aware of your sexuality depends on you. You might like to share it with the world on your social media profile, tell your family members and a few friends but not co-workers. You have the right to hide it from anyone if you don’t want them to know about your orientation. Don’t feel guilty when people think you are straight. Simply because you didn’t tell them you’re gay doesn’t mean you are fake.
Choose how you want to come out.
Coming out should be your own way. There is no perfect or exact way to do it. You might decide to come out at once or make it a gradual process. Coming out at once means openly expressing yourself as gay where everyone can see. Gradually coming out would involve not telling everyone at once. You can start with your best friend, your family, and a few more people.
Be sure of your safety while coming out
Coming out in some areas where people discriminate against your sexual orientation is not a good idea.
If you feel that it’s not safe or you wouldn’t be accepted coming out to express your sexual orientation, you don’t have to risk your life coming out. Perhaps, you can find a safer way to come out.
Coming out is not a compulsory thing to do. But when you finally think you should, these ideas will help you with the basic things you need to know before coming out.
