The Coming Out Process

This section is designed to help you understand the coming out process.  Families of gay children go through the same process of “coming out” as the parent of a gay child as their child did.

When a person comes out they first recognize that they are different from the majority. This brings out identify confusion which plays out in questioning, self-examination, and often denial. This is followed by a period of identity assumption and self-acceptance.

There are often six stages in the coming out process.
1. Awareness
2. Acknowledgement
3. Tolerance
4. Acceptance
5. Pride
6. Synthesis.

As you understand what people go through or will go through as they come to terms with their sexuality, you are on a parallel path.

Select a topic to explore further.
COMING OUT TO YOURSELF
LIVING YOUR IDENTITY
COMING OUT TO ADULT FAMILY
ALWAYS COMING OUT
COMING OUT TO SPOUSE