TOP 11 TIPS FOR COMING OUT AS LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL OR TRANS.
Click below video to watch coming out story of Gay Indian
Coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual can be difficult, there’s no
point pretending otherwise. However, many people have really positive
experiences coming out and often regret not doing it sooner. It’s really
important, however, that you take the time to consider your own personal
circumstances when making the decision to tell people close to you that you are
lesbian, gay or bisexual. What may be right for one person, may not be right
for you. Your safety and well being should always come first.
Although the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities have
many things in common and frequently align themselves with one another, the
experiences of exploring your gender identity and coming out as trans can be
very different to being open about your sexuality. If you are looking for tips
on coming out as trans, why not check out this guide written
by Lewis
Hancox
1.Don’t feel pressured.
Everyone should come out in their own time. You may feel under
pressure to tell those close to you that you are lesbian, gay or bisexual
before you are ready. Don’t. Coming out is about you and no one else. If you
start to think about pleasing others you will lose sight of what is really
important – your happiness. Focusing on yourself and what’s important to you
will ultimately make those you’re close to happier as well.
2.Don’t label yourself if you don’t want to.
Although you may feel ready to come out, you may not feel you fit
any particular ‘label’. Using terms like lesbian, gay and bisexual is
absolutely fine, but never feel forced to identify as anything. Listen to your
feelings and go with them! If a label helps you and feels right then great. If
it does not then don’t worry!
3.Don’t think that you’ll have to choose between your faith and
your sexuality.
Most religions have groups for their lesbian, gay and
bisexual followers. Go on line to find a group near you.
Having faith and being gay are not mutually exclusive!
4.Read how other people came out.
It has over 300 real life coming out stories as well as interviews from celebrities. Most people who come out go through the same anxieties and they experience very similar fears. Hearing how things turned out for others who were at one time in a similar situation to you can really help ease your own anxieties.
5.Tell one person.
When you are ready to come out (you will know when the time
feels right) – don’t think you have to tell everyone straight away – it’s
not a race! Choose one person who you trust more than anyone else – a friend,
sibling, parent/guardian or teacher. As soon as you have opened up to the first
person things will seem a thousand times easier and clearer for you. It’s an
age old saying but talking really does help. You’ll also have someone you can
talk to and ask advice from when coming out to others.
6.Forget the stereotypes.
When gay people first started to appear on TV and in the media, the
stereotypes that were common were those of effeminate camp men and butch women.
Some people still think that every gay man and woman have to fit that
stereotype. Others may feel that the stereotypes have flipped and gay men
should be muscular and have beards while lesbians should have long blonde hair
and wear lots of make up! The truth is, stereotypes suck and we all know they
do. Being lesbian, gay or bi does not have to define you. If you’re camp,
great. If you’re butch, fantastic. If you like going to the gym, good on you.
If you prefer a good film to a good run, amazing. Growing up (and discovering
your sexuality) is all about finding out who you are, what you like and how you
want to be and it’s an exciting time!
7.You’ll be protected at school, college and university.
Every school, college, uni and even workplace has a legal obligation
to ensure that every one of its students or employees is treated fairly and
offered the same opportunities. Many schools realise the importance of making
sure their staff are trained to tackle homophobia when they see it. Lots of
schools even have their own LGBTQ student groups where students can meet and
make friends. You should never feel pressured to join a group like this, but
you may find that you meet loads of other people who have been, or are going
through, similar experiences as you.
8.Think about the positives.
It is very easy to let the anxieties and fears around coming out
completely take over the experience. But remember, coming out is one of the
most amazing things you will ever do. You will finally be able to be your whole
self and it WILL change your life. Those butterflies you feel in your stomach –
see them as excitement rather than nerves!
9.Some people do have negative experiences when they come out,
there’s no point denying it.
That’s why it’s important that if you decide the time is right for
you to come out, make sure you have a safety net if things don’t go to plan.
There is support available if you find yourself feeling lost or alone.
10.Give people time.
You may have had years to get to a place where you are
comfortable with being lesbian, gay or bisexual. Just think though, those
people who you will be telling will have a split second to give you a reaction.
Give them chance to digest the news. It may come as a complete surprise.
Surprise and shock does not mean disapproval. They may have questions, so
pre-empt what these could be and be prepared to support them too. They may need
your support as much as you need theirs!
11.Start living!
You will be amazed at how free you will feel once you have come
out. Obviously the experience is different for everyone and at times it may not
go as well as you’d like. Just remember that you are doing the right thing, you
are allowing yourself to be who were always meant to be and this means you can
start living YOUR life! Remember to create that safety net around you though,
just in case things don’t go exactly to plan.
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