Be patient with yourself. It’s not necessary to tell everyone at once. Take your time.- Only come out if you feel safe; if it is the right time with the right person.
- Don’t push yourself.
- Start small. It can be easier to start by telling friends than by telling family. Find allies in your family. If you think a brother or sister or cousin will be easier to tell, start there.
- Develop a support network of friends who are accepting and supportive.
- Plan ahead. Think about where you want to come out and how you want to say it.
- Be positive. When you come out to someone, you set the tone.
- Find resources or get a mentor to talk to.
- Don’t come out in anger or retaliation.
- Be patient with others. Some people take longer to digest the information than others.
- Realize that they may need some time to adjust.
- Be firm. Identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) or whatever word you use, if you’re sure.
- Ask LGBT friends to share their coming out stories.
- Refer parents and friends to PFLAG or other resources that might help.
- Be prepared for different types of reactions.
*We support all sexual orientations and gender identities