It isn’t easy coming out to the people in your world. You never know how someone is going to react. I have found in my years of wisdom (lol) that people may surprise you. Usually the people who you think will react one way will usually react the other way. When I was comfortable enough to come out to my best friend I found out he was bisexual and was totally cool with me. I was so afraid we would no longer be friends after I came out but it was quite the opposite and we are still friends 18 years later.

Becoming Comfortable With Your Sexuality:

I know for myself I was very uncomfortable about my feelings towards other men at a young age, and I wish I wasn’t this way. It wasn’t until I was 19 when I became completely comfortable with my sexuality. I knew deep down in my heart that this is what makes me truly happy and it didn’t matter what other people thought of me because they were not living my life.

My biggest advice would be to become comfortable with who you are first. It’s like that saying, “No one can love you unless you love yourself first.” The same goes with acceptance.

The First Person You Come Out To:

TIP!!! Make sure the first person you come out to is someone you are comfortable with. Yes, you don’t know how they will react but sharing with a close friend or relative will be better than sharing with an acquaintance. Just remember everyone will react differently and they are going to go through a roller coaster of emotions, and so are you.

Coming Out To Your Family and Friends:

First decide if it is easier to come out to your immediate family all at once or do it individually. You know your siblings and parents the best. I could have probably told my entire family in a group setting but would show my dad the respect of chatting alone because I know he would have the hardest time with it.

If you know you family will reject you make sure to have your supportive friends close by or reach out to an LGBT help line.

Coming Out at School

In today’s day and age there is a chance most people have met or have a relative or friend who is gay. Coming out at school is a great step to moving on with your life, by being you. You never know, you may be a role model for other people on campus that have wanted to come out. Most colleges and universities now have an LGBT support group or even gender neutral housing.

Ultimately your coming out story will be different from everyone else’s. Just be you, and your story will follow. Once you come out a huge weight will be lifted off of you and you can move forward with your life in a positive direction.