Coming out
Sexual Orientation Matters
It can sometimes take a long time to feel sure and comfortable about
your own sexual orientation and many people have a crush on people
of both sexes from time to time..
People view their sexual orientation in different ways, and you don’t have to attach a label to yourself such as gay, lesbian, heterosexual or bisexual.
However you feel about your sexual orientation, you should feel able to choose this for yourself.
Should I tell someone?
Telling someone about your sexual orientation is often called ‘coming out’ because you are opening up to people and telling them who you really are.
Remember that ‘coming out’ is something you do for yourself and no one should ever force you.
You don’t have to, but if you do choose to tell someone here are some things to think about…
- Talk it over confidentially – phone a helpline or talk tosomeone you trust. If you're still at school or college, talk to a youth worker, teacher, health worker or some other adult you feel you can trust.
- Talk to other lesbian, gay, bisexual, questioning young people – join a support group.
- Tell someone you trust first (but be aware if you tell one person it can get passed around).
You're in good company
It’s almost impossible for anyone else to tell you how you should talk about your sexuality but by way of inspiration we’ve quoted below a few famous names who have shared their sexuality and hopefully their own ‘coming out’ stories will inspire you:
"Coming out publicly turned out to be the best thing I ever did, from a personal and professional standpoint. I feel that there’s nothing I can’t do now".
Sir Ian McKellen
"For me it’s normal and nothing to be ashamed of. I’m gay and I’m comfortable with that. I really don’t know what the fuss is about".
Will Young
"It’s funny when you do come out because you’ve spent years in the closet beating yourself up about it and when you do come out everyone’s cool."
Matt Lucas
"Do I like women sexually? Yes, I do, totally! I think a woman and a woman together are beautiful."
Drew Barrymore
"When I was 20, I fell in love with somebody who happened to be a woman.
I was open about it because I wanted people to know that I had been with a woman."
Angelina Jolie
