SECTION ONE
Prepare for Coming Out to Others
When coming out to friends, family, and community, LGBTQIA2S+ people should keep several key concerns in mind. By keeping these concerns in mind, LGBTQIA2S+ people can approach the coming out process with greater awareness, resilience, and empowerment.
Safety & Future Planning
Think through your safety and long-term needs—emotionally, physically, & financially. Consider where you'll turn for support, housing, or space to process if things don't go as planned.
Acceptance
Consider the level of acceptance or support you may receive from the people you plan to come out to. It's important to have realistic expectations while also hoping for positive reactions.
Emotional Preparedness
Coming out can elicit a range of emotions from both those you come out to and yourself. Prepare yourself for a variety of reactions, including acceptance, rejection, confusion, or silence.
Support System
Identify individuals or support networks who you can turn to for guidance, emotional support, and encouragement before, during, and after coming out.
Timing
Choose a time to come out that feels comfortable and safe for you. Consider factors such as family events, holidays, and other stressors that may affect the reception of your news.
Education
Be prepared to answer questions about LGBTQIA2S+ identities, as some people may have misconceptions. Share what feels right for you, and remember - it's okay to set limits.
Boundaries
Set boundaries for yourself regarding what you are comfortable sharing and how you want to be treated. It's okay to establish boundaries with individuals who may not react positively.
Self Care
Prioritize self-care before, during, and after coming out. Practice mindfulness, engage in activities that bring you joy, and seek professional support if needed.
Legal Considerations
Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding LGBTQIA2S+ rights, especially if you anticipate potential discrimination or legal challenges.
Reflection Questions
Coming out is a significant and personal decision for any LGBTQIA2S+ person, and it involves careful consideration of several factors to ensure safety and readiness. Here are some important things to think about and questions to ask yourself:
Reflecting on Personal Readiness
Preparing to come out involves taking stock of your support systems, identifying friends, family, or trusted adults who might react positively, and thinking through possible negative scenarios and how to cope. Consider where and when to feel most comfortable and where you feel most in control of the conversation.
Is this the right time for me to come out? Are there upcoming events or stressors that may make it more difficult? You might want to think about avoiding other big stressors, like if you have a big test coming up.
How ready are you emotionally to handle different types of reactions from others, including potentially negative ones?
How sure and secure are you in your understanding of your own identity?
How much do you want to come out right now?
How ready are you for the possible consequences, both positive and negative, of coming out?
Timing: Is this the right time for me to come out? Are there upcoming events or stressors that may make it more difficult? You might want to think about avoiding other big stressors, like if you have a big test coming up.
Did You Know?
the first openly gay comic book character appeared all the way back in 1979? His name was Extrano, a bold, joyful sorcerer introduced in DC Comics' Millennium series. At the time, positive LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media was extremely rare, and Extrano broke barriers simply by existing as an openly gay character. Though early portrayals were imperfect and sometimes steeped in stereotypes, Extrano paved the way for the complex, diverse LGBTQ+ characters we see in comics today. His creation opened important conversations about visibility, inclusion, and who gets to be a hero.
How ready are you emotionally to handle different types of reactions from others, including potentially negative ones?
How sure and secure are you in your understanding of your own identity?
How much do you want to come out right now?
How ready are you for the possible consequences, both positive and negative, of coming out?
