Coming Out
Throughout history, there have been many individuals in same-sex relationships. LGBTQIA people are of all ages, ethnic, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds. They do not look or act in any specific way. Just by looking, you could not be certain of an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
What does LGBTQIA stand for?
- L = Lesbian
- G = Gay
- B = Bisexual
- T = Transgender, Transsexual
- Q = Queer, Questioning
- I = Intersex
- A = Ally, Asexual
The “Coming Out” Process
According to the Human Rights Campaign, “coming out” occurs when LGBTQIA individuals acknowledge their sexual orientation or gender identity to themselves or others. The process also applies to allies when they acknowledge their support for the LGBTQIA population. “Coming out” is not a single event, but a lifelong process that will repeat itself throughout life when people take a new job, meet new people or start a new stage in their lives.
What may “coming out” look like?
The process of “coming out” is not the same for every LGBTQIA person. Each individual should make their decision based on what works for them without following any specific agenda.
“Coming out” may look like this over time:
- Individuals “come out” to themselves
- They explore their friends’ and family’s opinions about LGBTQIA issues.
- They tell a few close friends
- They tell a few other friends
- They tell close family members
- They tell other family members
- They “come out” to larger groups (e.g. spiritual, social, local)
How can you help a friend during the coming out process?
- Read LGBTQIA friendly information about health, sexuality, relationships, family, and politics.
- Support your friend by providing a listening ear. Don’t pressure your friend to “come out” to other individuals or organizations.
- Join organizations that are LGBTQIA-friendly . Confront oppressive behavior, language, and institutional policies that negatively affect the LGBTQIA community.
Where can you go for help?
Campus Experts
Student Health Services , 314.935.6666. Call to schedule an appointment with a counselor to talk about the “coming out” process. The following counselors specialize in LGBT issues: Tom Brounk and Emily Knotek.
Peer
Pride Alliance is a multi-focus GLBTQIA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, ally, asexual) organization open to all Washington University students—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Our goals are to advocate GLBTQIA-friendly public policies through activism and greater awareness, to educate the WU community about GLBTQIA issues, and to build a supportive social network for GLBTQIA students.” Email: pridewu@gmail.com, Office: Women's Building Suite 300, Website: http://sugroups.wustl.edu/~pride/
Keshet is the pluralistic association of Jewish lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and allied (GLBTQA) students. This group encourages awareness of GLBTQA issues, inspires GLBTQA advocacy, builds and maintains alliances with the ally community, and creates a comfortable social atmosphere for GLBTQA students. Keshet promotes full religious and social equality for Jews of all sexual orientations and gender identities.” Contact: Margaux Buck - mmbuck@wustl.edu
Uncle Joe’s Peer Counseling and Resource Center , 24 hour hotline, 314.935.5099. If you wish to speak to someone in person, visit the Uncle Joe’s office in the basement of Gregg Hall, 10pm-1am nightly.
On-Line Resources
Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG)
How can you learn more?
Professional
Health Promotion Services provides brochures and other resources. To request a program, contact Melissa Ruwitch at 314.935.7139
Peer
Safe Zones is an organization dedicated to the education of the Washington University campus community in gay, genderqueer, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, questioning, queer, intersex, asexual, and ally (GLBTQIA) issues. We dedicate ourselves to forming a network of allies who will be knowledgeable in these issues and show support for the GLBTQIA community.
Email: safezones@sugroups.wustl.edu, or visit the Website
