Discuss the process known as "coming out," including the dangers, pitfalls, and joys associated with it

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

- Various theories have been proposed to explain the process nonheterosexuals go through as they "come out of the closet" to themselves and to others. This typically occurs during adolescence through early adulthood but may happen at any age during a person's sexual life (and some individuals choose never to reveal their true sexual identity). Also, the various stages may occur at significantly differing ages. Nearly all of the theories share certain common characteristics in that they assume a gradual, developmental process that involves various stages of thoughts, realizations, and behaviors that lead to a person's recognition of his or her nonheterosexual orientation and the decision to live openly as a gay person.
- Two of the more widely accepted models of the coming-out processâ€"one proposed by Vivienne Cass and another by Richard Troidenâ€"reflect this concept of a gradual step-like progression. Both models share certain basic stages and challenges that many gay individuals must confront on the path to coming out such as "identity confusion" (feeling unsure about one's sexual orientation), "identity assumption" (acknowledging being gay to oneself), "identity acceptance" (becoming comfortable with one's sexuality), and "identity synthesis and commitment" (becoming openly gay and incorporating a gay sexual orientation into one's routine life with pride and without shame). Both models end with the person's acceptance and integration of his or her sexual orientation into an overall self-identity and healthy life adjustment.
- Nonheterosexuals who come out live happier, better-adjusted lives. However, this does not imply that coming out is easy. On the contrary, many gay and lesbian individuals approach each step in the coming-out process with apprehension and even fear. It is no secret that being gay in a heterocentric society (one in which heterosexuality is the "norm") carries with it the potential for very real emotional, psychological, and physical harm. Just some of the potentially negative consequences faced by individuals grappling with coming out include harassment and ridicule from peers, fellow students, or coworkers; rejection by friends, parents, and other family members, and even one's church; eviction from and denial of housing; loss of current job, denial of access to military service, and other forms of prejudice and discrimination; and intimidation or physical violence that may result in destruction of property, serious injury, or even death.
- Although few gay or lesbian individuals will experience all of these adversities, it's safe to say that most will encounter some of them as they move through the coming-out process. The reality or merely the expectation of these negative outcomes of choosing to live an openly gay life often takes a serious emotional toll. For example, teens who are struggling with the realization that they may be gay and the prospect of coming out to themselves and others have a significantly higher rate of psychological and adjustment problems, including depression, drug abuse, eating disorders, and homelessness. The psychological effect of greatest concern is a significantly increased risk of suicide among gay and lesbian teens as they realize their true sexuality and face the prospect of how their sexuality will "play" in a largely intolerant world.
- That said, if you ask any openly gay or lesbian person about the time in their life when they made the choice to "come out," they will, almost to a person, tell you it was a relief, a weight had been lifted, they could finally be themselves, they felt "liberated" and many other like descriptions. These emotions virtually always feel stronger than the fear and problems they may face or are yet to face.