If your family, culture, and/or religion is against LGBTQ+ identities, you might have more difficulty with feelings of fear, shame, and denial. At this stage, it’s normal for you to compartmentalize your sexual identity or to feel like being a lesbian may not be permanent.
If you are a university student, most campuses have a LGBTQ+ resource center, where you can find information, community resources, cultural events, and supportive people. If you are teenager, and have a family and school that is accepting of LGBTQ+ identities, consider connecting with resources in your school, such as your guidance counselor or other students. If you are a teenager and don’t feel safe going to anyone in your community, find online resources from The Trevor Project. They have online resources about sexual orientation and the coming out process, as well as a safe space for you to chat with others online for more information. They also have a hotline you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. [1] X Research source
Choose someone who is supportive of you to be the first person you come out to. Prepare yourself for negative reactions and rejection. Unfortunately, some people may not be accepting of you. Don’t give up hope, they may just need time to adjust. [3] X Research source Know that it is your choice to disclose your identity or not. [4] X Research source [5] X Expert Source Marissa Floro, PhDCounseling Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 February 2021. If you choose to come out, think about why you want to do so. Is it because you want to connect with the person romantically or sexually, or do you want support from them. [6] X Expert Source Marissa Floro, PhDCounseling Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 February 2021. You should have a safety plan in place. For example, if things get worse, you should have a place to stay, a trustworthy person to support you, and money to meet your needs. [7] X Research source [8] X Expert Source Marissa Floro, PhDCounseling Psychologist Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.
National Center for Lesbian Rights[9] X Research source Amnesty International PFLAG chapters available in every state. GSA Network for teens and youth identifying as queer or transgender. [10] X Research source
Ellen DeGeneres Rachel Maddow
Fly a pride (rainbow) or lesbian flag. Put the Human Rights Campaign logo on your car. Watch television shows that affirm lesbians, such as “Orange is the New Black. "
Use caution and know where it’s safe to show your pride. Every time you meet someone new at work or in your community, share your story, or advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality, you’re continually coming out. You’ve likely helped someone else who is struggling with their identity. [11] X Research source
Going to rallies and demonstrations. Participating in LGBTQ+ Pride parades and celebrations. Joining and advocating on behalf of CenterLink, a network of LGBT Community Centers. [15] X Research source Ensuring your employers recognize same-sex partners in your health plan. Visiting your representatives in Congress and educating them on the needs of the LGBTQ+ population. Protesting in other areas in the world where LGBTQ+ people face discrimination.
