Worried about coming out? First, make sure you've read through our advice on how to come out safely to your family.
Here are some other tips that can help make this important process easier for you and your family:
- Tell one person at a time- Telling one person is the first step to being who you are. By taking it slow and practicing coming out to one person you really trust allows you time to digest the situation. A slow approach is the way to go.
- Think about the positive- In scary situations, it's easy to worry about the "what ifs". Try focusing on all of the great possibilities that will come, instead of allowing negative thoughts to take over. Think of those butterflies in your stomach as excitement, rather than fear!
- Start living! - Taking the plunge to live your authentic, transparent self will allow you to be happier on the inside, which will begin to reflect on the outside. No matter what the outcome is, don’t let that to take away your joy and happiness. You have one life to live and it’s best you live it to the fullest!
- Give people time!- Some members of your family might need more time than others to digest what you've just told them. Allow them the time they need, just like you needed time to thoroughly understand and announce who you are.
Remember, you are amazing just as you are! For more resources on coming out, click here.