Why Be Out?
Human Rights Campaign -- the nations largest advocacy and activist group for the GLBT community
University of Illinois Counseling Center
OutProud offers a very frank and honest discussion of things to consider about coming out.
Coming "out of the closet" as a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered person is a difficult personal choice. Coming out means risking friends, family, job, and in some cases one's life or safety. It's a tough decision to make, and an even more difficult one to carry through with.
Being "out" is about living honestly. It's not about forcing one's views or personal life on anybody else, but about being true to who you are. As scary and risky as it is, coming out is among the most liberating things you can do for yourself, and for the world around you. Far too often GLBT people try to live a double life, and it ends up destroying them or hurting those that love them. Life on the "out-side" is not a bed of roses. But, having lived on both sides of the closet door, the difficulties of living openly are definitely worth the peace of mind.
Being "out" is about living honestly. It's not about forcing one's views or personal life on anybody else, but about being true to who you are. As scary and risky as it is, coming out is among the most liberating things you can do for yourself, and for the world around you. Far too often GLBT people try to live a double life, and it ends up destroying them or hurting those that love them. Life on the "out-side" is not a bed of roses. But, having lived on both sides of the closet door, the difficulties of living openly are definitely worth the peace of mind.
For those interested in getting more information about coming out as a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered person -- or as a straight ally of GLBT people -- see the links in the sidebar.
