Reminder: You Don’t Have to Come Out
- Zoe Stoller
- Aug 1, 2023
- 1 min read
A lot of LGBTQ+ people are expected to "come out" to those around them once they've figured out their identity and labels.
But while “coming out” as LGBTQ+ is definitely seen as a norm, it is 1000% valid to choose not to actively do this.
Of course, sometimes you can’t help but “come out” — especially if you openly share certain parts of your identity.
For example, when I tell people my pronouns are they/she/he, people probably assume that means I’m not cisgender (though of course even cisgender people can use they/she/he pronouns!)
But even then, it’s completely up to you who you choose to share that information with — you definitely don’t owe it to everyone if that doesn’t feel right!
Also, it’s important to note that coming out doesn’t have to be a big, serious, sit-down conversation with people — it can be as subtle as wearing pronoun pins, or casually mentioning you have a girlfriend (or boyfriend, or partner, etc.)
As always, you get to do what is right for you — and you don’t owe anyone any explanations about your identity.
💬 Have you ever come out? Did you have a desire to, or did you feel that was what you were “supposed” to do, or had to do? 💬
Reading the post about not needing to come out really made me stop and think because it explains how personal and private this choice can be. I remember a time in school when I felt pressure to share things I was not ready for, and I stayed quiet to protect my peace. I once used Management Assignment Help in UK while writing notes on personal identity topics in studies. It taught me that everyone has their own timing in life, and it is okay to move at your own pace without pressure.
I'm bisexual and I always thought that "coming out" was something I had to do, but later I realized that I didn't if it was something I didn't want or feel, very good reminder