Coming out is a public expression of authenticity, most commonly in the form of announcing that our gender or sexual orientation is different than a previously assumed straight, cisgender identity. While coming out can be a celebration of self-love and acceptance, it can also put us in an incredibly vulnerable position. In many situations, we have to balance our need for the mental and emotional freedom to live as our true selves with our physical and financial security. Like all efforts to live authentically, the decision to come out is deeply personal and can bring out complicated emotions, even if we are positively received by our family and community.
