Supporting people coming out - ideas?
I am actually part of the lgbtq+ support group at work, and I recently had the opportunity to do something to support people coming out navigate the workplace while they are at it. While I have ideas, I also wanted to listen to others' suggestions about what kind of support is the most helpful to others. Any constructive comments welcomed. Thank you!
If you don't have what kind of support a person coming out may need, maybe you can also tell me about any stories of challenging things that happened in your coming out journey, and maybe I can take some of that as inspiration as well. :)
It's great that you're looking to support others in their coming-out journeys! Some ideas could be like workshops that offer sessions on communication strategies and navigating challenges or creating a platform for people to share experiences or ask questions anonymously.
@IsaSilver
I am actually part of the lgbtq+ support group at work, and I recently had the opportunity to do something to support people coming out navigate the workplace while they are at it. While I have ideas, I also wanted to listen to others' suggestions about what kind of support is the most helpful to others. Any constructive comments welcomed. Thank you!
That is awesome your workplace has an LGBTQ+ support group! You do not mention what work environment you work in/have the support group in, or how the overall workplace, culture/mentality. towards LGBTQ persons is. However, visual things like having pride/inclusive stickers/small desktop flags, wearing pride flag buttons, can go along way to show you/your workspace is 'lgtbq+/lgbtq friendly' and can create a 'safe environment' for LGBTQ+ persons.
Like posted before - holding 'information sessions, welcoming gatherings/socials' can also be a means to help support/ally-ship in the work environment.
As well, if there any local LGBTQ+ organizations that provide support, can be an additional resource - as well as legitimate online organizations - in Canada there is PFLAG (resources for 2SLGBTQ+ persons and their families, Kids Help Phone (though will take adult calls/chats, and may transfer to the Adult Line), LGBTQ2+ Youth Line, Trans Lifeline.
If you don't have what kind of support a person coming out may need, maybe you can also tell me about any stories of challenging things that happened in your coming out journey, and maybe I can take some of that as inspiration as well. :)
I volunteered & paid work in a support role with an NGO LGTQ+ health centere in the 1990s. Coming out then, as LGBTQ+ persons only were recognised & came under protections in mid 1990s (federally). The Marriage Act was only 'ammended in early 2000s.
Having saud the aboev,and redirecting to what you are asking - coming out pre/post (and for some, 'repeal', coming out is a 'personal journey'. Some choose to 'blow the doors wide open'. Some choose to take 'steps'. Some choose to not. ALL are valid. Alot may/will depend on how 'supportive' those are, surrounding the 2SLGBTQ+ peron is - including political/cultural/spiritual beliefs.
30 years on, not only being 'out', but supporting 2SLGBTQ+ persons, coming out is, and always will be a personal journey/support. It is important to above all else, is to Listen, support the person. They will take the step (or not) & that is okay. One can be LGBTQ+ without coming out to the world.