{"id":2334,"date":"2022-10-11T08:38:54","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T08:38:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pinkarmenia.org\/news-events\/coming-out-benefits-and-risks\/"},"modified":"2023-04-26T07:51:31","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T07:51:31","slug":"coming-out-benefits-and-risks","status":"publish","type":"news_events","link":"https:\/\/pinkarmenia.org\/en\/news-events\/coming-out-benefits-and-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"Coming Out: benefits and risks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Coming out plays a major role in LGBT people\u2019s lives. It is the process when someone understands, accepts and values their sexual orientation or gender identity both for themselves and in public. In other words, coming out is a way for LGBT people to explore their own identity and then to share it with others.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, coming out is a challenging process for LGBT people. As there are enforced codes of behavior regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in our society, most people receive the message that they must be heterosexual and act following society\u2019s definition of their gender. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people may feel different from others and think they do not fit into the roles expected of their family, friends, workplace, etc. Consequently, coming out implies coping with societal responses and attitudes toward LGBT people.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also essential to note that coming out is a continuing and sometimes lifelong process. Some people are aware of their sexual orientation and gender identity at an early age; others happen to arrive at this awareness only after many years. However, coming out is a core element of LGBT people\u2019s lives; therefore, it is necessary to take that step to develop as a whole individual. Coming out makes it easier for an individual to create a positive self-image and allows them to be free of the fear of being \u2018\u2019found out\u2019\u2019, helping them avoid living a stressful double life.<\/span><\/p>\n

The concept of coming out being a means for personal fulfillment is reflected in the following quote by American politician and hero of the LGBT rights movement, Harvey Milk: \u2018\u2019Every gay person must come out. As difficult as it is, you must tell your immediate family. You must tell your relatives. You must tell your friends if indeed they are your friends. You must tell the people you work with. You must tell the people in the stores you shop in. Once they realize that we are indeed their children, that we are indeed everywhere, every myth, every lie, every innuendo will be destroyed once and all. And once you do, you will feel so much better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Coming out has its benefits and risks. However, outlining the benefits and risks of coming out is not meant to convince anyone to choose to come out or not in a particular situation. Instead, thinking about some of the probable outcomes of such a choice can clarify an individual’s decision by helping them determine the appropriate time for coming out and preparing them for possible reactions. Some benefits and risks of coming out are represented below.<\/span><\/p>\n

Benefits of coming out<\/span><\/h4>\n