Coming out is a big and personal decision. Many things could happen after coming out both positive and negative. It is important to take these possible effects into account when deciding to come out and whom to tell about your sexuality. Most importantly, is to remember that coming out is celebrating who you are as an individual.

Factors to consider when coming out
There are many reasons why people consider to come out including: to live one’s life, feel a sense of community with people in the LGBTQ community, to gain support from others that are out, to be appreciated for personal identity, to be a role model for others that are LGBTQ, and to not “live a lie”. Unfortunately, some factors make coming out quite difficult dependent on situations, such as: family, friends, coworkers, religion, and classmates. It is important to consider these factors when deciding to come out and to whom to share your sexuality.

What to Do?

• Make sure you have a support network that can assist you in both good times and bad
• Consider telling close friends or family first and then branch out
• Become educated about LGBTQ issues and history
• Develop friendships with people in the LGBTQ community
• Visit LGBTQ organization and informational websites

           
Where to Go?

• Become involved in campus LGBTQ organizations
• Explore local LGBTQ local hangouts and friendly businesses.
• Visit your campus LGBTQ Office if your campus has one
• Consider attending “Coming Out” groups for students that are just coming out on campus
• Talk with openly LGBTQ staff or faculty that can help serve as mentors during your college experience

Advice for Allies

• Be patient- Coming out is not an instant process
• Be supportive- Listen and be there for the person coming out
• Attend meetings- Attend meetings with the person coming out such as a GLBTSA meeting
• Help provide resources
• Show respect

It is important to remember, as you come out that the coming out process is a journey. Coming out helps people relate to a new aspect of your life.  You come out over and over again, whether it be to family, friends, classmates, coworkers, or professors. During the process, you grow as a person and celebrate who you are as an individual.

Tips from LGBTQ Students

“Always expect the worst, and when the worst doesn’t happen it will be good” (Anonymous friend of LGBTQ student, LGBTQA supporter)

“Join your organization on campus” “They can provide you in the right direction and help provide resources and meet people”
Felicia B.

“Get involved on a level that’s comfortable for you” “Never feel pressured to be ‘more’ than you feel comfortable with” Yong-bee L.

“Don’t box yourself in w/ stereotypes” Yong-bee L.

Remember that being LGBTQ is “just a characteristic of yourself, like hair color” Yong- bee L.

Tips from Allies

“Know that I’m there for her” (Anonymous friend of LGBTQ student, LGBTQA supporter)

“You really have to be supportive b/c you may not know how people are going to take it” (Anonymous friend of LGBTQ student, LGBTQA supporter)
           
“Knowing that you are there for them no matter what”  “Especially when having a rough time” (Anonymous friend of LGBTQ student, LGBTQA supporter)