Coming Out Stories

Coming out is among the most controversial and sensitive issues in the realm of homosexuality, especially within countries and societies where same sex relations are being frowned upon, if not loathed. Even in a country as liberal and as open minded as the United States, hundreds of gay and bisexual men and women are still confused whether or not to reveal their sexuality, more so even face it. While films, literature, and mass media have been very supportive of the aims of gay liberation, and bombarding the world with different projects that encourage homosexual people to come out, truth is when the case is zoomed in on the personal, individual level, the difficulty, anxiety, fear and frustration of disclosing one’s self are really overwhelming.

Coming out stories, whether in print, radio, television, and online, are very helpful to gays and bisexuals who would want to come out but do not know how. These stories, drawn from real lives, show a wide range of cases of fear in coming out, among them being an only son, having a religious family, coming from a high-profile clan, belonging to a homophobic school or office, and many others. These coming out stories inspire gay men and women to come to terms with themselves and be comfortable and happy with who they are. Their continuous emergence in the media help forward the acceptance and equality that the gay population deserves, and wash away conservative, close-minded and prosecuting notions against homosexuality and queerness.

Coming out stories should not be seen as propagandas that make gay people grab megaphones and announce to the world their preference for the same sex. In fact, within the realm of gay culture itself, “coming out” and its extent are still being debated. It should be noted that coming out is not being done just for the sake of sexual declaration. It is done because gays need to share their loved ones and people important to them the lives that they live and want to live, without lies, without denials, without hiding.