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Coming
Out
The most common rite of passage for GLBT people is the process of coming out.
Coming out means identifying yourself as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Coming out to yourself.
Coming out to others. Coming out to loved ones who you fear may reject you. Most people take this
step because they cannot stand hiding who they are anymore.
"Everyone thinks they're the only ones who have these feelings. But that's not the truth.
There are people who came before you and people who will come after you."
- Candace Gingrich, activist
YFFN understands the pain that most of us go through- and not just GLBT folks, but their loved ones
as well. With the help of our friends at the
Human Rights Campaign we have included
HRC's resource guide that provides factual information and may help
you get past the societal stereotypes about yourself and others. There are some good books and religious resources listed as well.
October 11th is National
Coming Out Day!!
National Coming
Out Day was founded by Robert Eichberg and Jean O'Leary on October 11, 1988
in celebration of the first gay march on Washington D.C. a year earlier. The
purpose of the march and of National Coming Out Day is to promote government
and public awareness of gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender rights and to
celebrate homosexuality.
National Coming
Out Day is a time to publicly display gay pride. Many choose this day to
come out to their parents, friends, co-workers and themselves.
What does it mean to
"come out"?
Coming out is
the process of personally accepting your homosexuality and disclosing it to
family, co-workers and friends. Coming out is different for every gay or bi
person. Some experience a lot of pain and anguish while for others
acceptance is a joyous time. It's perfectly normal to experience fear,
doubt, loneliness, anger and even depression. Try to surround yourself with
others that may be going through the same transition or who have already
come out. They can be a great support network. If you don't have any gay
friends or don't know anyone else coming out, there are discussion
forums and chat rooms
that have plenty of positive influences
Watch here for YFFN sponsored events!
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