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What does it mean to “come out?”

“Coming out” is when a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person tells friends and/or family members about their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Depending on who a person comes out to, the first few times may be tough or a good, affirming experience. Coming out is really a lifelong process. Each time gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans people meet someone new, they have to decide if, when and how to tell the person who they are. And that’s scary because people may react badly to people who don’t fit their expectations.

But coming out can also be liberating and exciting because you’re being true to yourself. Part of what can be so empowering about coming out is that you get to decide how, when, where and to whom you come out. You are in control. Coming out can be scary, but it can also carry with it a lot of joy. To learn more about coming out, check out the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) website.

What is asexuality?

Asexuality is a sexual orientation. People who are asexual do not experience sexual attraction and won’t experience…

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What does LGBTQ mean?

LGBTQ stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning.” For some, the Q stands for “queer.” Heterosexual,…

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