Coming Out

Coming out is probably the most difficult aspect of lesbian, gay and bisexual young people’s lives and it can impact on many other issues they face. LGB [young] people have to continue coming out all their lives, to teachers, families, friends, work colleagues and doctors. Many LGB young people who access services have already begun to think about this process and the impact this will have on their lives. It is vital for workers to understand the need for individuals to explore this fully before they decide to come out.

Group work programmes should offer a varied selection of 'coming out' workshops and discussions to provide a range of options for the participants to learn from each other’s experiences. Breaking down the key areas for discussions with young LGB people in groups enables them to consider their own experiences more fully. It is recommended that other professionals take part in discussions about  their experiences of coming out in order to present a diverse range of experiences from the community.

It is also important for workers to feel able to discuss their own experiences of coming out with young people, as LGB young people have often not met an 'out' gay or bisexual person before arriving at a service.

This article was last reviewed on: 27/10/11
Date due for next review: 27/10/13