Coming out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual
People generally prefer to be in an environment composed of elements they are familiar with and vice versa. We tend to enjoy the most in the company of our friends and family than that of strangers. The simple reason for this is with people who know us, we can truly be ourselves. Official gatherings or professional meetings are a less comfortable zone because a layer of pretence shines over our true personality due to the fear of judgement from others. But, what would happen if our friends and family didn’t know us either? If we had to maintain another side different from ourselves and portray an entirely new self constantly?
Social stress and stigma against sexual preferences has created a hostile environment for certain sections of the society and has driven them into denial. The LGBTQ community has been a victim of prejudice and unfair discrimination for a long time now and this has caused a major impact on their present status. Many people in the present day are scared to come out as lesbian, gay or bisexual and are living the life of a heterosexual. In a survey of LGB people, more than half of all respondents reported that they have faced cases of providers denying care, using harsh language, or blaming the patient’s sexual orientation or gender identity as the cause for illness. Fear of discrimination may lead some people to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity from providers or avoid seeking care altogether. According to statistics, more than 1 in 5 LGBT individuals reported withholding information about their sexual practices from their doctor or another health care professional. Nearly 30 per cent of transgender individuals reported postponing or avoiding medical care when they were sick or injured, due to discrimination and disrespect and over 30 per cent delayed or did not try to get preventive care.
Why is this important?
The most common reason LGBTQ+ individuals were or are apprehensive to come out is familial tension, isolation, or estrangement. People tend to come out around high school age, and at that point, the majority of their support system is often their family. The fear of losing that by coming out is entirely understandable. The other reasons due to which individuals avoid coming out are fears of social attitudes, personal struggles with identity, fears of violence, and fears of discrimination at work.
Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals don’t feel comfortable sharing their identity until 2-3 years after they acknowledge their sexuality. But coming out is still extremely important. Coming out allows the person to develop as a whole individual, allows for greater empowerment, and makes it easier for an individual to develop a positive self-image.
By coming out, the person is able to share with others who they are and what is important to them, rather than having to hide or lie about their identity. Coming out frees the person of the fear of being “found out” and helps them avoid living a double life, which can be extremely stressful and demoralizing. It is also a pathway to developing closer, more genuine relationships with friends and family. Finally, coming out makes it easier to connect with people who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual, giving a sense of being part of a community with others with whom you have something in common. By coming out and helping to dispel myths and stereotypes by and educating others one can become a role model for others in the community.
How can therapy help you?
In today’s modern world, it is much easier to come out due to many initiatives taken by the government and also the people. National Coming Out Day and similar events bring light to an issue that our nation still very much needs to resolve. It reminds LGBTQ+ individuals, whether they’re out or not, that they are valid and are not alone. It’s also an opportunity for allies to better understand the adversity that they, themselves, haven’t had to face personally. With events like these and studies like ours, we can continue the progress that has already been made.
In spite of this, it is worth mentioning here that the society is still prejudiced to a great extent regarding our sexual choices and orientations. Therapy will help you explore these further, understand how to navigate the biased world, and still be able to do what matters at the end of the day.

Geetanjali is an enthusiastic reader and a curious person who is intrigued by the far stretched mysteries of human brain. She strongly believes that free living can only be achieved with a free mind, and psychotherapy is the way to go for it.

Geetanjali is an enthusiastic reader and a curious person who is intrigued by the far stretched mysteries of human brain. She strongly believes that free living can only be achieved with a free mind, and psychotherapy is the way to go for it.
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