Coming out
Coming out is one of the most difficult things LGBTIQ+ youths and adults have to go through to live their lives openly and authentically. It is also not necessarily a one-off event to disclose one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity to people in their community including friends, family and work colleagues. Whether it is the first time ever, or first time today, coming out takes a lot of courage.
Most people tell their friends before their families, however, there are also helplines and professionals such as a GP or counselor who can help in deciding when to come out, what to say, who to disclose to, and what to expect. Check out the resources below to learn about the coming out process.
LGBT Ireland: Heart to heart coming out stories
Further resources
Reach Out: Coming out
Planned Parenthood: Coming out
Being Gay is OK: Coming out
Empty Closets: Coming out
| Coming out and staying out | Stages of coming out | Parent/family stages of grief |
| Religion & homosexuality | Coming out letters | Coming out stories |
Stonewall: Coming out
| Coming out as a young person | Coming out as an adult |
| Coming out – advice and guidance for parents | Coming out guide |
Human Rights Campaign: Coming out resource guides
The Trevor Space: Coming out as you
| Coming out as you | Coming out as bisexual | Coming out as a straight ally |
| Understanding gender | Labels are for you to determine | The spectrum |
Helplines
The following helplines are useful if you or someone you know needs to talk about sex, sexuality or gender.
QLife
A national service that aims to keep LGBTQI communities supported and connected.
Website: qlife.org.au
Phone: 1800 184 527 (3 pm – 12 am AEST)
Online chat (3 pm – 12 am AEST)
Meridian
Provides face-to-face counselling and access to social groups in the ACT for people of diverse sexuality and gender.
Website: meridianact.org.au
Email: contact@meridianact.org.au
Phone: (02) 6257 2855 (9 am–4 pm, Monday–Friday)
Address: Havelock House 85 Northbourne Ave
Turner ACT 2612
Twenty10 incorporating GLCS NSW (also services ACT)
Provides a range of support services and social spaces for people of diverse genders, sexualities and sexes in NSW. Services are aimed specifically at people aged under 26.
Website: twenty10.org.au
Metro support: (02) 8594 9555 (10 am – 6 pm, Monday–Friday)
Regional support free call: 1800 65 2010 (10 am – 6 pm, Monday–Friday)
Email: info@twenty10.org.au
A Gender Agenda
Information website and online community for gender-diverse people in the ACT. Information on support groups that you can connect with is also available via their website.
Website: genderrights.org.au
Phone: (02) 6162 1924
