Coming Out

This is probably the most difficult aspect of LGB young people’s lives and impacts on many other issues they face. LGB [young] people have to continue coming out all their lives, to teachers, families, employees, doctors etc. Many LGB young people who access service provision have already begun to think about this process, and the impact this will have on their lives. It is vital that workers understand the need for every individual to explore this as fully as they can before they decide to come out.

Group work programmes should offer a varied selection of “coming out” workshops and discussions, these aim to provide a range of options for all participants to learn from each other’s experience. Breaking down the key areas for discussions with young LGB people in groups has enabled them to consider their own experience more fully. It is recommended that other professionals and non professionals are included to discuss their experience of coming out in order to present a representation from a diverse community.

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