Coming out is usually thought of as a one-time experience of telling people your orientation, but it’s a lot more than just that. It’s more of a journey where you realize and identify orientation, begin to accept and welcome who you are, then proceed to decide whether you want to tell people and who you want to tell.
For many, coming out of the closet can be a very long and difficult process. We not only have to battle the stereotypes that we grew up in and show love and acceptance to ourself, but also tackle the many homophobic and heteronormative attitudes that our society still holds.
Deciding when to come out may depend on various factors that you are surrounded by. Unfortunately, there are still people discriminated against because of their orientation. For example, expressing yourself can mean the loss of safety, security and support of friends and family. However, while coming out can be complex, it can come with so many benefits to your mental health.
Helping with a more positive self-image, it definitely boosts your self-esteem and also reduces anxiety that some of you may have in terms of fear, having to keep a secret or the feeling of living a ‘double life’. It can be very liberating and freeing to finally be yourself and live authentically out in the open.
Coming out can also have a great social impact. As people are openly sharing their identity. It can allow for the negative stigma to be abolished and our society may expand their understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and hence can be more accepting of it!
Having real life examples and exposure to the non stereotypical orientations can help influence attitudes to be more open and develop less homophobic viewpoints.
If you’re considering coming out, here are some things you might want to think about →
“My close friends were the first people to know about my orientation as I felt like I could trust them” said one of the members from Team Nora. Similarly, look at which people in your life you feel safest to come out to. If you think that they will welcome you, go for it! If not, start small and build your support system by finding ones you trust, whether that might be your family, friends, schoolmates or colleagues.
Be patient with yourself, don’t be disheartened if you don’t receive the reactions you want. Also remember that your worth isn’t defined by the validation and acceptance that you receive from others.
This experience is a very personal one and everyone’s journey is different. Some people choose to come out at a young age whereas others take longer. There’s no right and wrong way to approach this as it is fully up to your own situations and experiences. It’s your choice as to who you want to share this part of your life with and don’t forget that ultimately, it’s YOUR truth and we love you for it!
Virtually Yours,
People of Nora ♡
