Realise that you’re making a really brave decision and that it will most likely make you feel happier as time goes by and you feel more confident about it.
Coming out to your friends can sometimes be awkward and make you not feel as confident with each other at first. However, you should be aware that if they don’t accept you the way you are, they aren’t really good/ positive influences. Good friends would and should support you whilst coming out, and the vast majority will, even if it’s awkward at first.
Be prepared and make sure you’re ready to come out. It’s good to be aware that it can have an impact on everyday life, especially if there’s people close who may be homophobic. Always good not to get caught off guard by things!
Choose that first person to come out to wisely. You don’t have to announce things to the entire world all at once. Take it slow! It could be a friend, a family member, a mentor…
Start coming out to people more casually as you become more confident and secure of your identity
Our top tips for coming out!
Make sure you’re ready, don’t let any friends push you into it
There’s no “right way” to come out! There are dozens of ways to come out, from conversations to writing songs, playing YouTube videos, showing a comic strip,the list goes on. You can come out to just one person that’s close to you, or a few freiends, or broadcast it over Facebook! Everyone’s story will be different…
Be ready for some cliched reactions, like “it’s just a phase” or “how do you know?” or “oh a guy on street is gay too…”!
Don’t let people’s reactions determine your value
Remember you’re not alone – every LGBTQ+ person who’s ever come out knows what it feels like before you say the words
If you need inspiration, look on YouTube! There’s lots of coming out stories that may help out
Fantastic tips thanks!
I actually remember imagining a ton of other LGBTQ+ people being with me when I came out feeling the same stuff I was… really helped not feel alone!
If you want to check out some great “coming out” vids here’s a few good one’s from YouTube too (I’ll post them in different replies – should be able to watch them without opening a new window that way 🙂 🙂 )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HclVrFsAnY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srOsrIC9Gj8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZ_8O929WOA&list=PLaUGyW1LBjMuP1Dma5o9W_eAGsshQ5nrR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh7WRYXVh9M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYodBfRxKWI&list=PLckd__4zz69rspEtr_eLWc045BvX2rLeK&index=1
There’s another good site called RUComingOut – it’s got loads of stories about coming out and some are pretty inspirational 🙂 http://www.rucomingout.com