Coming Out
(also: coming out of the closet)
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- General Information
- Exernal Links
- YouTube Resources
- Coming out to Parents Resources
- Stories/Experiences Resources
- Tips Resources
- Additional Resources
- Return to the Definition
Introduction
Coming out refers to when someone reveals that they are not cisgender and/or not heterosexual. National coming out day is October 11. Don't feel pressured to come out of the closet if you aren't ready to do so. Wait until you are able to do so safely.
This page is a work-in-progress. Despite what it may seem, there is one person working on this thing. "This thing" being The Transgender Dictionary. Well, I have a few people who help me out, but its like 90% just one person who did thing. For free. I'm not being paid for this, unless you would like to fund the transgender dictionary, in which case, feel free to do that. Otherwise, this blurb will be here until I get around to completing this page.
Click to return to table of contents.
General Information
Coming out can be difficult for some people. Feel honored if someone comes out to you. No one knows how other people can react, only hoping to be met with love and acceptance. It is scary to have to worry if another person will object to who you are. You can't change who you are :/
If someone comes out to you, be sure to ask who it is ok to reveal this information to. Do not reveal personal information that you have been told not to tell others about. Ask for permission before telling anyone else. Even if it seems awkward. Safety can be at risk.
Click to return to table of contents.
External Links
YouTube Resources
- YouTube: ElloSteph: 03/20/2012: Coming Out Tips
- YouTube: Freddie 🌻: 05/31/2025: I'm officially coming out 🏳️⚧ - genderfluid, transfeminine, she/her
- YouTube: skylarkeleven: 09/27/2010: how i knew i was transgender [and some advice on coming out]
Click to return to table of contents.
Coming out to Parents Resources
- Psych Page: Gay/Lesbian Resources: Coming Out to Family and Friends (http://www.psychpage.com/learning/library/gay/outparents.html)
- Psychology Today: Michael C. LaSala Ph.D., LCSW: 03/12/2011: Should You Come Out to Your Parents? (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/gay-and-lesbian-well-being/201103/should-you-come-out-to-your-parents) - Sometimes, it's not a good idea. (Yes, you read that right.)
- Huff Post: Randy Neece: 11/12/2012: The Parent Crap: 10 Tips for Coming Out (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/the-parent-crap-10-tips-for-coming-out_b_2104164)
- Wayback Machine: Pride Resource Center: Coming Out to Your Parents: KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT (https://web.archive.org/web/20161229075832/https://glbtrc.colostate.edu/coming-out-to-your-parents)
Click to return to table of contents.
Stories/Experiences Resources
- Tumblr: the-inspired-lesbian: #ComingOutStories (https://the-inspired-lesbian.tumblr.com/tagged/ComingOutStories)
- Wayback Machine: The Inspired Lesbian: 01/21/2015: My Story (https://web.archive.org/web/20150121082020/http://the-inspired-lesbian.com/mystory)
Click to return to table of contents.
Tips
- Genderqueer: micah: 04/28/2011: Coming Out: The Plan (https://genderqueer.me/2011/04/28/coming-out-the-plan/)
- Transgender Teen Survival Guide: Coming Out Tips (https://transgenderteensurvivalguide.com/post/59389043673/coming-out-tips)
Click to return to table of contents.
Additional Resources
- itch.io: coming out simulator (https://ncase.itch.io/coming-out-simulator-2014)
- Tumblr: neutrois: 05/01/2014: On Coming Out (as transgender, non-binary, genderqueer, or otherwise) (https://www.tumblr.com/the-transgenda-agenda/788276974029275136/on-coming-out-as-transgender-non-binary)
- Tumblr: the-inspired-lesbian: Coming out (https://the-inspired-lesbian.tumblr.com/comingout) - "I’m guessing that since you are reading this you are either thinking about coming out or questioning your sexuality. I know you are probably pretty confused right now. I hope this helps you."
- Wayback Machine: Human Rights Campaign: Resources: Coming Out (https://web.archive.org/web/20151113043737/http://www.hrc.org/resources/category/coming-out)
- Wayback Machine: RUComingOut (https://web.archive.org/web/20250212035134/https://www.rucomingout.com/)
- Wayback Machine: RUComingOut: 9 Awesome Bits Of Coming Out Advice (https://web.archive.org/web/20200121025149/https://www.rucomingout.com/best-coming-out-advice.html)
- Wayback Machine: The Moonbat: Simon Copland: 10/02/2012: Someone’s sexuality is none of your business (https://web.archive.org/web/20150805023159/https://themoonbat.com/2012/10/02/someones-sexuality-is-none-of-your-business/)
- Wayback Machine: Trans Youth Family Allies: Coming out (https://web.archive.org/web/20160508035209/http://www.imatyfa.org/resources/youth-resources/coming-out)
- Wikihow: Marissa Floro, PhD & Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA: 12/26/2023: How to Come Out to Your Friends (https://www.wikihow.com/Come-Out-to-Your-Friends)
Click to return to table of contents.
