What is "Coming Out"? Coming Out is the act of announcing your homosexuality, both to yourself and to others.

It's hard to fully accept that you are gay. However, before you can start telling someone else, you have to be able to look at yourself in the mirror. You have to be able to look into your own eyes and say those three little words, "I am gay."

Coming Out is extremely difficult, and I won't lie to you about it. Often, your worst fears do not materialize. Everyone has heard stories about Joe being thrown out because he was gay. That does happen. Only you can guage your family's love for you.

I found Coming Out to be a wonderful experience. I no longer had to lie to my friends. For the first time, we could truly share, and I really needed their support in coming to terms with being gay. They were there to lift me up when I couldn't do it myself.

Are there any do's and do not's of coming out? Yep, there are. Contrary to popular opinion, don't jump up during Thanksgiving Dinner and shout "I'm gay!" and expect everyone to run up hugging and congratulating you. They are more than likely going to toss their turkey.

I told everyone one on one in a private setting. This gave them the time to ask any questions. It also allowed them to express their true feelings without having to "act" a certain way around the rest of the family/friends. It shows them much more respect as well.

If you are worried about how your family might react, I suggest you wait until you can financially support yourself, especially if you are a minor or college student. In the meantime, there are many places of support both on-line and off-line. Most major cities have gay youth groups now. There are various community centers. Don't forget the library as well. Most have sections with wonderful literature on gay history and culture. Also, most of the major bookstores now have a gay studies section.

If you are terrified of being seen in these places, you can still contact the gay youth groups or gay college groups. Many have trained staff persons that are more than willing to make a lunch date with you to talk and to help support you. They can offer some wonderful advice, and they will respect your privacy.

On-line, there are dozens of websites with information about homosexuality and Coming Out. I am placing links to a few of these sites. However, if you are afraid of someone in your family finding out, remember to clear the cache and history on your computer before you sign off. I do not believe in someone being inadvertently outed. You have the right to Come Out whenever you feel like it, and never let anyone tell you that you absolutely have to Come Out at a certain time in a certain way. Even the things I have here on my page are only suggestions.

If this page helps you with coming out, please, let me know. That is why I have it here. Also, good luck on Coming Out. If you are already out, my heart-felt congratulations.