Coming out is when someone who is gay, lesbian or bisexual tells the people around them about their sexuality. This can be difficult and people may worry that others will treat them differently once they know.
Even though it can be scary, most people feel that coming out is important as it means they can be honest about how they feel and not keep an important part of their life hidden.
There is no right or wrong way or time to come out. Do what feels right for you. We have provided some information here we hope will help guide you.
One of the first steps of coming out is acknowledging to yourself what your sexual preference is.
For many people, admitting to themselves that they're gay, bisexual or lesbian can be hard for many reasons.
It could be because they have been brought up to think being gay is wrong, or because they are worried about being teased or bullied.
If you're not sure if you're gay, lesbian or bisexual, you may find it helpful to talk to someone you trust about your feelings.
One of the first steps of coming out is acknowledging to yourself what your sexual preference is.
For many people, admitting to themselves that they're gay, bisexual or lesbian can be hard for many reasons.
It could be because they have been brought up to think being gay is wrong, or because they are worried about being teased or bullied.
If you're not sure if you're gay, lesbian or bisexual, you may find it helpful to talk to someone you trust about your feelings.
When you first come out, the most sensible option is to tell someone who you trust, and who will be supportive and understanding.
It will help if they can keep a secret, as you may not want other people finding out before you feel comfortable about your sexuality.
This person could be a close friend or relative, or, if you're younger, it could be a trusted adult, such as a teacher or youth worker.
When you first come out, the most sensible option is to tell someone who you trust, and who will be supportive and understanding.
It will help if they can keep a secret, as you may not want other people finding out before you feel comfortable about your sexuality.
This person could be a close friend or relative, or, if you're younger, it could be a trusted adult, such as a teacher or youth worker.
Hopefully, coming out will change your life for the better, as you won't feel there's a big part of you that people don't know about. Many people say they feel relieved they can be open about how they feel.
However, there can be a downside to coming out. You may come across people, including friends and family, who are homophobic (prejudiced against gay, lesbian and bisexual people). They may make you feel angry, upset or scared. You may experience discrimination.
This is why it can be helpful to tell a small group of trusted people first. That way, you'll feel supported and have people to talk to about the reactions you may face.
Hopefully, coming out will change your life for the better, as you won't feel there's a big part of you that people don't know about. Many people say they feel relieved they can be open about how they feel.
However, there can be a downside to coming out. You may come across people, including friends and family, who are homophobic (prejudiced against gay, lesbian and bisexual people). They may make you feel angry, upset or scared. You may experience discrimination.
This is why it can be helpful to tell a small group of trusted people first. That way, you'll feel supported and have people to talk to about the reactions you may face.
If you're not sure how you feel about your sexuality, there's no hurry to make your mind up or tell people.
Coming out is an individual decision, and it's important to do it in your own way and in your own time.
If you're not sure how you feel about your sexuality, there's no hurry to make your mind up or tell people.
Coming out is an individual decision, and it's important to do it in your own way and in your own time.
Breakout Youth offer a range of services for LGBTQ+ young people 11 to 25 in Hampshire including:
You may also wish to visit the national charity Stonewall's website.
Organisations supporting LGBTQ+ people:
Consortium
This membership organisation work to support LGBT+ organisations and projects around the country. Use the site's Member's Directory to find local mental health services.
LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation offers information, advice, and support services, including a Talking Therapies Programme to LGBT people.
Mind LGBTQ
Get information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ).
Pink Therapy
Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ), and people who are gender- and sexual-diverse (GSD).
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Switchboard provides a listening service for LGBT+ people over the phone, via email and online chat. It can provide you with contact details of an LGBT-friendly therapist.
Mind Out provides face to face mental health support in Sussex but support people who live any where in the UK online.
Imaan
Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.
Breakout Youth offer a range of services for LGBTQ+ young people 11 to 25 in Hampshire including:
You may also wish to visit the national charity Stonewall's website.
Organisations supporting LGBTQ+ people:
Consortium
This membership organisation work to support LGBT+ organisations and projects around the country. Use the site's Member's Directory to find local mental health services.
LGBT Foundation
The LGBT Foundation offers information, advice, and support services, including a Talking Therapies Programme to LGBT people.
Mind LGBTQ
Get information about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ).
Pink Therapy
Pink Therapy has an online directory of therapists who work with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer or questioning (LGBTIQ), and people who are gender- and sexual-diverse (GSD).
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Switchboard provides a listening service for LGBT+ people over the phone, via email and online chat. It can provide you with contact details of an LGBT-friendly therapist.
Mind Out provides face to face mental health support in Sussex but support people who live any where in the UK online.
Imaan
Imaan is a charity that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Muslims, providing an online forum where people can share experiences and ask for help.