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When should I come out of the closet?

45 Answers
Last Updated: 08/26/2019 at 11:37pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Sarah Robb, LISW-S (Licensed Independent Social Worker, Supervisor Designation) and LICDC (Licenced Chemical Dependency Counselor)

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. Life poses many challenges. Learning to face, cope with, and resolve these challenges can increase our resilience.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
October 25th, 2016 8:44pm
Whenever you feel that it is safe to do so. For instance, you may only come out to some people at school, or close friends, or just some family, rather than everyone at once or everyone in every part of your life.
Anonymous
October 17th, 2016 3:36am
You should come out of the closet whenever you feel ready to. It all depends on what you feel like doing :)
CaringArtsy
August 16th, 2016 7:18am
When you feel most comfortable .You have to be ready mentally.Start by telling your friends till you gain enough confidence to face your family and be proud of who you are.
invisiblepeanut
August 1st, 2016 11:25pm
You should come out of the closet when you feel ready. That's probably not the answer you wanted hear, but coming out should be done when you feel completely ready and secure in your identity. You'll know when you feel ready or when the moment is right.
Emma16
May 17th, 2016 7:12am
Whenever you feel ready and safe. The first thing you should ensure is that you are safe and that you will be able to remain safe if you come out. If you are safe, then check in with yourself about whether you are ready. Don't let anyone pressure you to come out. Coming out is very personal and everyone comes out at different times and in different ways and that is perfectly okay. There is no right time to come out except for the time that feels right for you. Some people like to plan coming out a long time in advance, some people just get a sudden burst of courage and do it spontaneously, some people prefer to write a letter or send a text, and some prefer an organized conversation. Whatever and whenever feels natural to you, go with it. It's okay to be scared.
Anonymous
May 2nd, 2016 1:46am
No one can tell you when you should do it, it's up to you:) Whebn you are ready and when you feel it's okey you do it!
xxHereForYouxx
March 28th, 2016 6:43pm
When you feel ready. If you feel like it's the right moment, just do it. There's nothing stopping you if you feel comfortable with your sexuality and have accepted yourself.
dreamwithmelovers31
January 25th, 2016 1:49am
I dont think people should have to "come out". people should just be able to say i am in love with this person and they are my partner. i dont think people should have to feel the need to announce it as a big deal when it really shouldnt be.
Anonymous
January 5th, 2016 12:54am
you should come of of the closet at the time that you feel comfortable with, and when you feel like it will be safe for you to do so, you shouldn't let anyone pressure you into coming out, it's completely your choice as to whether you feel ready
Anonymous
January 4th, 2016 6:05pm
Whenever you feel comfortable. If you're in a dangerous environment, it might be best to wait until you're financially independent, if you aren't already. However, if you feel like the people around you would accept you for who you are then I say go for it whenever you feel that it's right.
Anonymous
December 28th, 2015 7:04pm
When you feel most comfortable. You don't want to make a hasty decision that you might later regret but you also don't want to let it weigh on your mind for too long.
supportiveCupcake42
December 14th, 2015 2:36pm
This is the infamous question I'm so passionate about. This step in your life will happen when you decide you want it to. Don't feel rushed in having to come out, take your time, feel around until you know that you are sure this is how you feel. Wait until the stress and tension ease away in the house. Make sure you have a group of friends that support you and have your back. No matter how ready you are, you will be nervous. Make sure you stay cool, calm, and collected so your relatives can take in the news because it will be huge!
CastleIrwell
November 11th, 2015 8:25pm
You should come out of the closet when you are ready for people to know. You don't have to tell everyone at once. It takes some people years to tell everyone. Coming out to a good friend, family member, or trusted person first can help you get a start on telling others, but it does not have to be right away.
Anonymous
November 10th, 2015 4:24am
when you are ready. you shouldn't feel pressured to do anything you don't want to and only you get to decide
Morpheus
September 26th, 2015 6:33pm
Whenever you feel the time is right. Make sure you are comfortable with it before you allow everyone to know about it. You want to be sure that you are very confident and comfortable before coming out about it.