Coming out is a process that most LGBT people go through at some point in their lives. For some, it is a hugely defining moment in their and others lives, for others, it is simply a moment of acceptance of who and what they are.
You may have many reasons for coming out, some people come out to feel accepted, or because they are tired of making excuses. Some feel like their parents already know and just want to be able to talk to them about it. Regardless of this, it can be a hugely stressful and worrying time.
Everybody has a different experience, and different circumstances. There is no ‘one way’ to come out, no cook-book remedy. However, there are some ideas and pointers, and maybe, if you are considering how to come out, they will give you some ideas.
Coming out to Parents
Coming Out to parents and family is a very difficult process. In part, it is about you. You are sharing something very personal with people you love. This makes it a time when you could become closer and more attached, but it also carries the risk of rejection and pain. Coming Out is also about others. This is a time when family who may have “seen the signs” but ignored them must admit this to themselves.
Below are some tips that may help make it easier.
Pick a Good Time
Don’t Come Out in an argument, or at a time when you feel angry or resentful. The message will be delivered to family in a time of bad feelings and will convey those bad feelings, making the process more difficult for you and your family in the long run.
Give them time to get used to it before you introduce them to your boyfriend or girlfriend. They may be willing to accept your “friend” more readily and more easily if the sexual nature of your relationship is not so quickly and constantly apparent. Let them see that your “friend” cares about you, knows you well, treats you well, and wants you to be happy just like your parents do. That is what you ultimately want them to know about your partner, not that they are sexually active.
It Takes Time
Understand that it takes time for them to accept this about you, just like it did for you. Your family will go through periods of rejection, acceptance, and then rejection again before they come to accept you for who you are and understand something of what it means to be gay or lesbian. If you are Coming Out to them, you’ve had more time to deal with this than they have.
Encourage Your Parents to Come Out
Suggest that they share this with a friend; you needed to come out to others for support, and they will need to do this too. Having a list of phone numbers, such as one for FFLAG (Family and friends of Lesbians And Gays) could help too.
Consider having a “family contact” person. Sometimes a parent will be hurt that they were not the first to know. However, both you and your parents may benefit from having someone in the family to talk to about the issue, how the “Coming Out” went, and how things are going after. An aunt or uncle, sibling, or grandparent may help out tremendously.
Be Prepared and Patient
Be prepared for negative responses, religious fears, and suggestions for therapy. Often, when faced with some stressor we can’t handle easily, we wish that it would just change. This is something you may have gone through as well; you may have just “wished” to be straight. It is natural that when faced with the loss of the child they thought they had, the likelihood of grandchildren they dreamed of, and other fantasies your parents had for you, that they too will experience some shock and wish things would simply change and go back to “how they used to be.”
Consider how the “Worst Case Scenario” might go. Coming Out is hard enough as is; if you need your parents’ financial and emotional support and are really scared they would “cut you off” if you came out, then wait until you can tell them with less fear and anxiety. This may sound like “hiding,” but it’s not.
There’s no reason why you can’t build up a network of friends and other family who will be supportive of you and provide some “emotional backup” to get ready for and recover from a difficult Coming Out to family.
Be Ready to Teach
Explain that your sexual orientation is a biologically based thing, and you can’t control it any more than they can control their own sexual orientation. Being gay or lesbian isn’t their “fault” and does not result from something they did “wrong.”
Some parents suggest therapy. There are many who claim to do “reparative therapy,” and even some crackpots in the media, like the infamous “Dr. Laura,” who claim that such therapy is effective and necessary for happiness. It is not effective, and no sound scientific data has ever been gathered and confirmed to support this kind of “treatment.” The American Psychological Association has published a statement indicating that offering therapy to “correct” someone’s sexual orientation against their will is unethical. Often these groups of “recovered” gays and lesbians are simply made to feel very, very guilty about their sexual and intimacy needs. They simply focus on trying to deny all sexual aspects of their being, try to conform to heterosexual lifestyles and expectations, and avoid “relapse” through weekly religious “support groups” where a lot of hush-hush sexual activity goes on after hours.
When your parents read about how to talk to you about difficult issues, including potty training, sex, and marriage, they were told to use the same language they wanted you to use. Be patient as your parents learn to use the language you teach them. Explain the terms “gay” and “lesbian” as opposed to “homosexual” and “queer.” Allow them to refer to your partner as a “friend” for a while until they grow comfortable with “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.”
Be ready to talk about AIDS. While your parents may not be ready for any real details, and they may not ask for fear of finding out information they don’t think they can handle, they do need to be assured that you are safe and have tested negative. Of course, if you are positive, lying to your family at the outset may not be recommended. Be ready to discuss the issue as much or as little as your family wants.
Some people have a book or something for reading materials ready to give parents. It’s a nice way for them to be reminded gently about something they must learn about, and allow them to read and think about it at their convenience.
Explain Why You Are Coming Out
Explain that you are telling them this because you love them and don’t want to be dishonest with them. Tell them to that you are not alone, and that you have gay and lesbian friends for support too. Sometimes parents react with worry about their children; they know it is an unfair world out there. Assure them that while you know there is discrimination, you stick up for yourself and can handle what comes to you as a result of your decision to be what you are.
Sometimes helping parents understand the burden of being closeted, the stress it creates, and the ultimate separation from family that many gays and lesbians accept or suffer with helps. Urvashi Vaid, a spokeswoman for gay and lesbian rights, once said that her mother asked her why she had to be so open about her sexuality, and why it couldn’t just be a private thing. She explained that Coming Out was as much a political act as a personal one.
Coming Out lets others know that gays and lesbians exist around them; we are to a large extent an “invisible minority.” Coming Out makes us visible, and gives others the chance to be aware of and work through their own biases, to see the discrimination in the world, and to consider these issues on their own before being confronted with them somewhere else by someone else in a less understanding fashion.
Finally, some cautions should be offered on Coming Out. While it is in many ways a liberating process to acknowledge who you are to others and receive some support and validation for just being you, there are a lot of prejudiced people in the world. Some would hurt you, insult you, and generally go out of their way to make you unhappy if they know you are gay or lesbian.
Why do they do this? Lots of reasons.
Personal discomfort is likely the top reason. People who feel bad about themselves often need an “Us” and a “Them” to organize their world. The “Us”‘s are invariably good, moral, smart, wise, good looking, and generally the backbone of the society. The “Them”‘s are bad, immoral, ugly, stupid, and the downfall of society. Simply put, being so sure that you are “sick” and immoral makes me feel healthy and righteous.
This can lead to violence, or “Fag Bashing.” Some people feel very threatened by their emotional and possibly sexually-tinged attachment to others of their own sex. Seeing you appear so comfortable expressing those feelings often makes them suddenly aware of feelings they would not like to admit to having. “Silencing” you silences the thoughts they don’t want to consider.
Overall, Coming Out is a normal process that is crucial to accepting who you are and feeling good about yourself. You can be more “Out” in some settings than in others, Come Out in different ways to different people, and expect it sometimes to go well and sometimes to go badly. It is a significant part of the process of identifying and becoming closer to your friends and loved ones.
KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT
Most Follow Typical Stages
The purpose of this is to inform gay and lesbian young adults about the process most parents go through when their child’s homosexual orientation is disclosed.
The stages to be explained are: shock, denial, guilt, expression of feelings, personal decision-making, true acceptance.
The process assumes that you have wrestled with the issue of whether or not to come out to your parents and that your decision is affirmative. The approach and suggestions offered in the following are based on the assumption that you suspect one or both of your parents will be understanding, if not supportive, given adequate time.
This pamphlet may not be helpful if you have serious reservations about their ability to cope and you suspect they could sever their relationship with you.
They Go Through Stages Differently
A caution: Each family is unique. Although most are likely to follow the stages outlined here, allow some latitude for your own parents. The illustrations and suggestions given here will be drawn from conversations with parents who have attended the Philadelphia Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays meetings.
Few parents are “model” cases that perfectly fit the following description. Knowing what to anticipate and how to respond in a helpful way will enable you to take the big step with some degree of knowledge and support.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
Be Clear in Your Own Mind
- Are you sure about your sexual orientation? Don’t raise the issue unless you’re able to respond with confidence to the question “Are you sure?” Confusion on your part will increase your parents’ confusion and decrease their confidence in your judgment.
- Are you comfortable with your gay sexuality? If you’re wrestling with guilt and periods of depression, you’ll be better off waiting to tell your parents. Coming out to them may require tremendous energy on your part; it will require a reserve of positive self-image.
- Do you have support? In the event your parents’ reaction devastates you, there should be someone or a group that you can confidently turn to for emotional support and strength. Maintaining your sense of self-worth is critical.
- Are you knowledgeable about homosexuality? Your parents will probably respond based on a lifetime of information from a homophobic society. If you’ve done some serious reading on the subject, you’ll be able to assist them by sharing reliable information and research.
- What’s the emotional climate at home? If you have the choice of when to tell, consider the timing. Choose a time when they’re not dealing with such matters as the death of a close friend, pending surgery or the loss of a job.
- Can you be patient? Your parents will require time to deal with this information if they haven’t considered it prior to your sharing. The process may last from six months to two years.
- What’s your motive for coming out now? Hopefully, it is because you love them and are uncomfortable with the distance you feel. Never come out in anger or during an argument, using your sexuality as a weapon.
- Do you have available resources? Homosexuality is a subject most non-gay people know little about. Have available at least one of the following: a book addressed to parents, a contact for the local or national Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the name of a non-gay counselor who can deal fairly with the issue.
- Are you financially dependent on your parents? If you suspect they are capable of withdrawing college finances or forcing you out of the house, you may choose to wait until they do not have this weapon to hold over you.
- What is your general relationship with your parents? If you’ve gotten along well and have always known their love – and shared your love for them in return — chances are they’ll be able to deal with the issue in a positive way.
- What is their moral societal view? If they tend to see social issues in clear terms of good/bad or holy/sinful, you may anticipate that they will have serious problems dealing with your sexuality. If, however, they’ve evidenced a degree of flexibility when dealing with other changing societal matters, you may be able to anticipate a willingness to work this through with you.
- Is this your decision? Not everyone should come out to their parents. Don’t be pressured into it if you’re not sure you’ll be better off by doing so — no matter what their response.
THEY’LL EXPERIENCE LOSS
Parents and Children Switch Roles
When you come out to your parents, you may find your parent-child roles reversed for a while. They will need to learn from your experience. As your parents deal with your disclosure, you must assume the “parenting” role by allowing them time to express their feelings and make progress toward new insights.
This will not be easy. You’ll want them to understand and grasp this important part of your life right away.
It will be easy for you to become impatient. You’ll need to repeat many of the same things. Just because you’ve explained something once does not mean they heard it. Their understanding will evolve slowly — painfully slowly — at the beginning. Their emotional reactions will get in the way of their intellectual understandings.
Allow them time and space. Consider your own journey; you’ve been working on this issue for years! Although the issues your parents will work through are similar to those you’ve dealt with, the difference is that you’re ahead of them in the process. Be patient.
Separation And Loss
Many families take the news as a temporary loss — almost as a death — of the son or daughter they have known and loved. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross describes the stages related to the death of a loved one as denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Just as in grief, the first reaction of parents of gays and lesbians centers around separation and loss.
I remember one morning when my son was fixing breakfast at the stove, as I sat at the kitchen table reading the newspaper. I looked at him and wanted to say, “I don’t know who you are, but I wish you’d leave and send my son Ted back.”
Parents experience loss when their child comes out, but it probably will be only temporary.
Not An Absolute Progression
Although the stages described here apply to most people, they are not an absolute progression for everyone. Sometimes a stage occurs out of order; occasionally one is skipped. Some progress through the stages in three months, others take years.
A few — often due to self-pity — make no progress at all. In any case, the initial feeling is usually one of loss.
Most parents think they know and understand their children from the day of their birth. Even though they cling to old stories – and sometimes evidence confusion in telling some of them — most remain confident that they know what’s going on inside a child.
They lose the perception they once had of their child and don’t yet know if they will like the real person who is replacing that idea. Those who experience the biggest shock when their child comes out probably are those who suffer the greatest feeling of loss and rejection.
It’s not that they separate from the child as much as it is that they feel their child has willfully separated from them.
A Traumatic Discovery
They sense the separation — which you’ve probably been aware of for years — for the first time. It’s a traumatic discovery. With understanding and patience from all parties, that relationship can be restored. In fact, in most cases it improves because it’s based on mutual honesty.
STAGE 1: SHOCK
If They Have No Idea About You
An initial state of shock can be anticipated if you suspect that your parents have no idea what you’re about to share. It may last anywhere from ten minutes to a week; usually it wears off in a few days. Shock is a natural reaction that we all experience (and need for a while) to avoid acute distress and unpleasantness.
Explain that you haven’t been able to be completely honest with them and you don’t like the distance that has occurred over the years. Affirm your love for them. Say it more than once. Although they may not initially respond positively to your profession of love, it will penetrate in the hours when they are alone and thinking about it.
Remind them that you are the same person today that you were yesterday: “You loved me yesterday, before I told; I haven’t changed since then. I’m the same person today that I was yesterday.”
Some Parents Already Know
Occasionally, a parent will experience no shock at all: “I always knew you were different; I considered this as a possibility. It’s O.K. I love you. You’ll have to help me understand and accept the reality.”
Sometimes they say, “We’d known for a long time because of a letter you left on the table last summer; we’ve been waiting for you to tell us.” In these instances your task will be considerably easier, as they’ve already worked through some of the stages on their own.
STAGE 2: DENIAL
A Shield from Threat
Denial helps to shield a person from a threatening or painful message. It is different from shock because it indicates the person has heard the message and is attempting to build a defense mechanism to ward it off.
Denial responses take many forms: hostility (“No son of mine is going to be queer.”), non-registering (“That’s nice, dear, what do you want for dinner?”), non-caring (“If you choose that lifestyle, I don’t want to hear about it.”), or rejection (“It’s just a phase; you’ll get over it.”).
Their perception of your homosexual orientation will be distorted by the messages they’ve received and accepted from our homophobic society. The manner in which the denial is expressed can range from a serene trance to hysterical crying or shouting. Many parents take a middle-of-the-road approach; they cry frequently.
We Thought He Was Confused
My wife and I were sure that our son had been caught up in some form of gay liberation activity that appealed to him because it seemed dangerous and exciting. We thought the media coverage about homosexuality probably attracted him and that he lacked maturity to know what he really wanted.
We insisted that he go once to a psychiatrist to deal with the anger that had been building for over a year. We agreed to visit the doctor, too, in a separate session. After two or three visits by Ted, the psychiatrist shredded our defense mechanism of denial: “I’ve counseled many gay young adults and I’m convinced that this is no passing fancy; to the best of my knowledge, your son is gay.”
If They Want Counseling For You
You might be ready to suggest the name of a counselor or two if your parents think that counseling will help to clarify their confusion. It would be advisable to suggest a non-gay person, because your parents will want an “unbiased” view.
If they press for you to see a counselor, suggest that they match you session-for-session. They may resist on the grounds that they don’t need help; underneath, however, they’ll probably welcome someone to talk to.
Your parents may need some help in separating what’s “normal” from the “norm.” It’s probable that they’ll think homosexuality is not normal. You can help them by explaining that although homosexuality is not the norm, it is what is natural to you. Point out that all of creation has exceptions to the norm; while most people are right-handed, some are left-handed; although most people have two eyes of the same color, some have a different color in each eye.
They need to begin to understand that although your sexual orientation is not in the norm, it is a natural and honest response for you.
Breaking Through Denial
If their denial takes the form of “I don’t want to talk about it,” you should take a gentle and cautious initiative if they haven’t changed in about a week. Gently raise the subject when they appear relaxed: “Dad, I’ve been wanting to talk to you about this for years; please don’t push me out of your life. I can no longer bear the burden of lying to you. I love you and want you to continue to love me in return.” Personalize your message as a way of penetrating their defense.
There’s no need to tell them more than what they ask. Volunteering information about experiences will make them build stronger defenses. Answer only what they ask for; they’ll get to other questions at another time. Because they’ll experience awkwardness in framing their questions, you may need to clarify the question before providing a response.
One Parent May Be Slower
Be ready to deal with your parents individually, if necessary. Most couples react to this disclosure as they have to other shocks; one takes the lead and moves toward resolution ahead of the other. Don’t be upset with the slower of the two.
It is not infrequent that couples have dysfunction in their own relationship when this occurs. The one who seems to adapt more quickly may suggest that his/her spouse is actually enjoying the agonizing; the one who moves more slowly may think the other is far too accepting of the situation.
Parents who move at different rates may experience tension, whether expressed or unspoken.
STAGE 3: GUILT
They’ll Feel They’ve Done Wrong
Most people who deal with homosexuality initially perceive it as a “problem” and ask: “What causes it?” They think if they can locate a cause, then a cure is not far behind.
For me, the question became introspective: “What did I do wrong?” Whether I viewed the cause as genetic or environmental, I was clearly to blame. I questioned the kind of male role model I had provided; I examined my masculinity.
For a while, no matter which angle I viewed the situation from, I believed I was the primary source of the problem. It was a feeling I was too ashamed and saddened to share with anyone else. Although both parents usually feel guilty, the parent who is the same gender as the child probably feels it more.
Then one day, my wife said: “I don’t think it’s reasonable for you to take the blame; you raised two sons, one gay and one straight. There must be other factors involved.”
Single Parents Feel Extra Blame
It’s not uncommon for single parents to heap extra blame on themselves because of an earlier loss, separation or divorce from their spouse: “I knew I failed you; I just couldn’t be both mother and father at the same time.”
When parents feel guilty, they are self-centered. They are not yet concerned with what you’ve been through; in this stage they’re too wrapped up in themselves to attend to your concerns.
Because they are your parents, they may not be able to admit to you their sense of guilt. To acknowledge that feeling to you is like saying, “I’ve brought this horrible thing to you; I’ve made you different. Blame me.” That’s not a comfortable position for parents to assume.
Tell Them It’s Not Their Fault
You can help them in a variety of ways. Assure them that you don’t believe the cause is as simple as they see it. Tell them that there are many theories and that the origins of homosexuality are not known.
Provide them with a book to read that is addressed to parents (an excellent paperback is “Now That You Know; What Every Parent Should Know About Homosexuality,” by Fairchild and Hayward; Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1979). A book may appeal to them at this point because it can be viewed as an authority. Have the book ready to give them; don’t send them to a gay bookstore to find it for themselves.
They may be ready to talk to a trusted friend now; some may seek out a clergyperson. It will be difficult for you to attempt to steer them away from a person of their choosing who you think may not be helpful. If you know an agency that has assisted other families in a helpful way, have the agency name ready.
A gay-oriented agency may be able to help them, but they’ll resist going to the “enemy camp” for help. Provide the phone number of the local Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays or give them the name of some other parents who’ve agreed in advance to talk to them. Don’t expect them to respond immediately to these suggestions; their shame and guilt may hold them back. Providing this information is like planting a seed that may take time to bear fruit.
STAGE 4: FEELINGS EXPRESSED
They Acknowledge Their Emotions
When it’s clear that guilt and self-incrimination are unproductive, parents are ready to ask questions, listen to answers and acknowledge their feelings. This is the point at which some of the most productive dialogue between you and your parents will take place.
Now will pour forth the full range of feelings: “I’m disappointed that I won’t have any grandchildren.” “Please don’t tell anyone in the family; I’m not ready to face this issue with anyone else.” “I feel so alone and hurt; I believe I was better off not knowing” “How can you hurt us this way?” “I wish I were dead.”
Since living in a homophobic society has forced you to experience many of the same feelings (isolation, fear of rejection, hurt, confusion, fear of the future, etc.), you can share with them the similarities in the feelings you have experienced.
However, allow them ample time to express themselves; don’t let your needs overpower theirs. If they haven’t read a book or talked to other parents, suggest again that they pursue one of those avenues. Offer to read and discuss a chapter in the book with them or to go to a parents’ meeting with them.
Anger And Hurt
Our son Ted had cautiously suggested earlier that we meet his lover Dan. Initially, we had no interest in that suggestion because when we stopped blaming ourselves for what had happened, we began blaming Dan. I was angry that this catastrophe had befallen our home; was sure it was going to ruin our lives. I had always felt we were good parents, hardly deserving of this. My anger toward Ted was seldom expressed to him, but it was there for me to deal with.
Anger and hurt are probably the most frequently expressed feelings. They are often surface feelings that seem spiteful and cruel. In order for your parents to make progress it is better that they say them than bury them and attempt to deny their existence. They will be hard for you to handle. You may be tempted to withdraw, regretting that you ever opened this issue.
Hang in there, however; there’s no turning back now. When they begin to express these feelings they’re on the road to recovery.
STAGE 5: MAKING DECISIONS
The Fork in the Road
As the emotional trauma subsides, your parents will increasingly deal more rationally with the issue. It’s common at this point for them to retreat for a while and consider the options that lie ahead.
It’s like reaching a fork in the road that has a number of paths from which to choose. The choice each person makes is a reflection of the attitude he or she is ready to adopt in dealing with the situation.
Both parents may not necessarily choose to take the same path. A number of factors will influence which path is chosen. Reading about homosexuality and talking to other parents will probably encourage them to take a more supportive position. Their religious orientation will play an important part. The general liberal or conservative position they usually hold will also have some bearing.
The importance of the restoration of their relationship with you is a major factor. A variety of factors will affect them as they formulate a compatible posture for dealing with this. Three kinds of decisions will be described:
Supportive
Most parents continue to love their child in a way that allows them to say “I love you,” to accept the reality of the child’s sexual orientation and to be supportive. In fact, now that the relationship between parents and child is on a level of mutual honesty and trust, most parents say their relationship is better than it ever was. All parties begin to feel better about what has happened.
Although they may have had some glimpses prior to this time, supportive parents are increasingly aware of your needs. They become concerned about the problems that you have to face. Although we’d had some glimpses prior to this time, my wife and I became more aware of our son’s needs and what he’d been through. In fact, we were amazed that he had handled all the tensions and problems as well as he did for all those years.
Our awareness and love for him soon involved us in offering to begin solving some problems in an effort to reduce some of those tensions: a single room at college would enable him to live his life without having to offer excuses or explanations to a roommate. Dan was invited home more often and gradually became an important member of our family. When Ted told his brother, we were able to talk to Louis and support Ted.
This Far And No Farther
Sometimes parents respond by making it clear it’s an issue that no longer requires discussion. Although they can discuss the matter, they are quite fragile in dealing with it. They have progressed this far and wish to go no further.
This does not necessarily reflect a negative attitude toward you. They know their limits and don’t want to be pushed beyond them. Although you need to respect that stance, you can still make efforts to reach out to them.
Let them know that you love them — in word and deed. Cautiously let them know some things that you do related to your sexuality; i.e., gay groups you’re involved in (community center, religion, athletics). Make it a point not to let them drift away from you.
Introduce them to some of your friends; meeting other homosexual persons (in small numbers) will help to break down the stereotypes they may hold.
Constant Warfare
In some instances your sexual orientation can be the staging area for constant warfare. Everything you do and say is viewed as a symptom of your “problem.” The hours you keep, your language, choice of friends, vocational selection, school grades, etc. (However, in reality, it may reflect a parent’s feeling of personal inadequacy.)
As long as this condition exists, both parent and child are in a no-win position. Generally speaking, if one parent assumes this extreme a position, the other parent may have difficulty choosing a role that is far from it. When relating to their children, parents are often outwardly supportive of each other — even if behind closed doors they don’t completely agree between themselves.
I’m convinced that most parents who attend a parents’ meeting or who enter into personal conversation with a supportive parent greatly increase the chance that they’ll not remain negative. If they won’t attend a meeting, maybe they’ll meet with some parents at a quiet restaurant. If all attempts fail, don’t let the situation get you down. Find a parent substitute or friend to whom you can turn for support.
Relapses
A word about relapses is important. Problem-solving and changing personal attitudes often can be diagrammed as two steps forward and one backward.
It’s not at all uncommon for parents to slip back a step or two to rehash something you thought was behind you. Allow them time to rework it. It will be disappointing to you when this happens, but it’s the way change usually comes about.
STAGE 6: TRUE ACCEPTANCE
Not All Parents Get This Far
Some parents get this far. Most may love their child without finally accepting the child’s life. Many reach the point where they can also celebrate their child’s uniqueness. These fortunate ones view homosexuality as a legitimate expression of human sexuality.
When asked if they wish that their child could be changed, they respond, “I’d prefer to change our homophobic society so my child could live his life without rejection and fear.”
Parents at this stage face up to their own guilt, that they are a part of a guilty society, a homophobic society. They reflect on the gay jokes they’ve told and laughed at over the years. They begin to understand the problems they unknowingly created for their child. This coming to terms with themselves may lead them to view the oppression of all gays and lesbians in a new light.
They begin to speak out against the oppression; they talk to friends about the issues involved as a means of educating others. They support gay friends of their son or daughter; they attend parent meetings to help other parents. In short, they become committed to a cause and find a way that is comfortable for them to make a positive contribution. Some do it boldly, others work at it quietly.
Coming out to Friends and Colleagues
Your friends are just a different type of family, not related by blood but sharing bonds which can run as deep. Your friends will stick by you, and you’ll find them an immense source of support as you make your way into your new queer world. Tell them before you tell your family, and you will find that they will help you through this difficult time rather than you having to face it alone. Remember – True friends will never judge you by your sexuality. The ones who do, you’re better off without.
Coming out at work is slightly different than coming out to family and friends. The people that you work with on a day-to-day basis may seem like the accepting kind, but people are rarely forthright with their opinions, especially if they are bigoted, within a work place environment. You may feel as if you know how they react, but it is not something you sold take for granted. Even someone who has stated in the past that they have no problems with homosexuals can change their attitude when faced with a queer person within ‘their’ environment. Coming out at work will always involve some risk, but there are steps you can take to minimise that risk.
Be ready.
You’ll need to be prepared in the same sort of way as you were for telling your family and friends but remember that work colleagues are less likely to be as sensitive as those closer to you.
Understand your reasons for coming out at work.
Why do you want to come out at work? Is it because you want to bring more of yourself to the office, or is it to get up the nose of your ultra-conservative supervisor? Your reasons will go a long way to the tone you adopt for coming out and your tone, in turn, will affect the responses you get. Do it in an aggressive manner and your responses are more likely to be aggressive.
Consider the timing.
Do you have a huge project on at the minute which is placing the entire staff under a lot of pressure? Is this usually the busiest time of the year for the company you work for? There’s no such thing as the perfect time, but coming out when the entire office is under immense stress means that your news will not be fully appreciated and you may receive reactions which are inflamed by the pressure of work and distort how you feel your colleagues took the news.
What are your expectations?
It’s best not to expect a specific reaction, but be prepared for all possibilities. People can respond by saying that they knew all along or can be shocked because they had no idea. You can be met by silence or affirmation or anywhere in between, just remember, you don’t need the acceptance of your co-workers as long as you accept yourself.
Gather supporters.
Is there anyone at work who you know and trust more than anyone else? Perhaps they already know you’re gay. Having someone who knows the environment you are working in and the people that surround you can give you invaluable advice and support.
Finally, if you are considering coming out to friends, family or colleagues, remember, you have nothing to be ashamed of, and whether you do or not, it doesn’t change who you are inside. Good Luck!
For more information on coming out, as well as to watch or obtain a copy of our Video DVD explaining the coming out process, visit our sister site WhatsInYourCloset.co.uk
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