When you come out to someone really close, they may be shocked, though not in disapproval. They may need a while to just process the information since it may have come out of the blue for them. So, pick a good time when you and the other person have enough time to talk things through. Also, remember that it’s best to think of coming out as a process rather than an event.
If you don’t feel 100 percent about coming out to your parents and family directly, try to come out to someone who you know will support you first. Build a support network so you have someone to lean on if things don’t go well when you come out to your family. If you want, have a person you trust with you when you do finally decide on coming out to your parents.
Facing society alone when coming out might be overwhelming. If you are hesitant to do it alone, have a support system by your side. You can request a friend or your partner to accompany you. Moreover, you can get help from a counselor before coming out.
Having a strong support system helps you come out easily. You can plan everything and then do it when the time is right. A support system such as a counselor might also help you to cope with the aftermath.
Do not come out if you are forced by situations or friends. Coming out to your parents and close ones is a process that will take time. People take time in coming out. For instance, I took 6 months to tell my parents that I am in love with another girl. Yes, you might long to be open about who you are but you need to consider your safety as well.
If there’s a risk that you could be thrown out of the house or be physically harmed, it is safer to wait. Just trust your guts and do whatever feels right to you. In my case, I waited until high school was over, however, If I knew my parents would be supportive of my identity, I would have come out sooner.
Your friends and family members might not react the way you have expected. If they are against the LGBTQ+ ideology, they might take time to digest the news. Even the supportive parents or friends might change permanently. The point is, you should not expect everything to go right. Expect for the worst but hope for the best.
Moreover, weigh all the possibilities of coming out. Ask yourself these questions:
- How will coming out make my life easier?
- How will coming out make my life difficult?
- Is it worth losing relationships over my identity?