Today is National Coming Out Day.

For some folks today marks a day of sharing and celebration of their identities for the first time, or in a new way (i.e. coming out to your doctor,at a work picnic, to a friend, etc.). Congratulations to those of you who are able to have that experience today!

If you are considering coming out today or in the near future, please check out the tips below. The tips are initially tailored for youth, but the link to GLSEN's website offers invaluable information for folks of all ages who are coming out in a variety of scenarios.

Link to GLISEN's Coming Out Tips

Summary of Coming Out Tips:

1. Think about who you want to come out to and why?

2. Before you come out to someone have a safety plan:

-Who are adults and friends who will support you if it goes badly or you need someone to talk to after? 

-Could the person hurt you or cause you harm if you tell him or her?

(If you are in immediate danger call 911; if you are a youth look for any location with a yellow and black     "Safe Space" sign; contact the Gay Alliance Anti-Violence Project to make a report/get in contact with an       advocate; Call: 585-244-8640 x17 or email: safe@gayalliance.org)                                                        

-If you lose your housing what friends, family or shelters (like Center for Youth: (585) 271-7670) you can you stay with?

-Are there any financial repercussions? (i.e. losing your college fund?) Are you ready to handle those?

3. Once you have assessed the situation (e.g. who you want to tell, how they will react, etc.) you may want to discuss whether or not to come out to certain individuals or when to come out, with an adult you trust.

If together or on your own you decide now may not be the time for you to come out, that is ok.

If you do come out, congradulations and good luck with the process. This is something that you will likely have to repeat time and time again with different family members, coworkers, friends, etc. throughout your life. Who you tell and how you tell them is up to you.

If someone in your life wants more information on the next step and how to support you, refer them to our "National Coming Out Day - Part 2" article.

Please feel free to add any of your own comments, suggestions or support for folks going through the process of coming out in the comments below.