Coming out C Apr 22 Written By UNLRN Training ‘A lifelong process of self-acceptance. People forge an LGBTQ identity first to themselves and then they may reveal it to others. Publicly sharing one's identity may or may not be part of coming out.’GLAAD Personal accounts “It is really hard for most people as they don’t know how it would affect their families lives and their lives so it’s always challenging and you never know if people would actually accept you ” — Chatlie, England, Under 18 years “I don’t think it should be a thing as straight people don’t have to come out ” — Jake, England, Under 18 years “Heterosexual and cisgender people don’t put their lives on hold for years, in fear of coming out to family, colleagues and friends. Coming out is not something that cisgender people ever have to think about. Last year in 2020, I finally told my Dad I’m gay, after years of worrying and working up the courage. The conversation was brief, but it felt like one of the longest, most monumental moments of my life. Building a life with a non-binary person, bringing them to parties and events, sharing experiences and memories, was never an option when I was in my teens and early twenties. The threat of violence and disapproval is constant; something that is always in the back of my mind. In my opinion, we need to work towards a world where the act of coming out is something that is normalised, accepted, and respected. Eventually, the conversation will not need to occur (unless the person wants to have a conversation, which of course is fine), as people will be able to love who they like, without question, violence, or disapproval.” — Kat, England, 26-30 years LGBTQIAPersonal Accounts UNLRN Training
Coming out C Apr 22 Written By UNLRN Training ‘A lifelong process of self-acceptance. People forge an LGBTQ identity first to themselves and then they may reveal it to others. Publicly sharing one's identity may or may not be part of coming out.’GLAAD Personal accounts “It is really hard for most people as they don’t know how it would affect their families lives and their lives so it’s always challenging and you never know if people would actually accept you ” — Chatlie, England, Under 18 years “I don’t think it should be a thing as straight people don’t have to come out ” — Jake, England, Under 18 years “Heterosexual and cisgender people don’t put their lives on hold for years, in fear of coming out to family, colleagues and friends. Coming out is not something that cisgender people ever have to think about. Last year in 2020, I finally told my Dad I’m gay, after years of worrying and working up the courage. The conversation was brief, but it felt like one of the longest, most monumental moments of my life. Building a life with a non-binary person, bringing them to parties and events, sharing experiences and memories, was never an option when I was in my teens and early twenties. The threat of violence and disapproval is constant; something that is always in the back of my mind. In my opinion, we need to work towards a world where the act of coming out is something that is normalised, accepted, and respected. Eventually, the conversation will not need to occur (unless the person wants to have a conversation, which of course is fine), as people will be able to love who they like, without question, violence, or disapproval.” — Kat, England, 26-30 years LGBTQIAPersonal Accounts UNLRN Training