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1. The Wellness Center

2. Safe Zone

3. Coming Out

   1. To Oneself
   2. To GLBT Community
   3. To Heterosexuals
   4. Considerations
   5. When Someone Comes Out to You

4. Back to
   Safe Zone

When Someone Comes Out to You

• Do Not Panic!
• The person has chosen to confide in you something that is very personal. You should be honored that they trust you enough to share this information with you.
• Do not assume that they are sexually or emotionally drawn to you. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons are just like everyone else; they find some people attractive and some people not so attractive (physically and emotionally).
• If this person is drawn to you, be flattered and politely express your feelings in the matter. Treat the person with respect and courtesy. Regardless of sexual orientation, the kindest way to convey your message to a person to whom you are not attracted is to be honest and let them know that you are not interested.
• Remember confidentiality: You have no right to tell others what this person has confided in you, unless you have their permission.
• If the individual who is coming out to you has a need which you cannot address, be sure to refer the person to the appropriate resources.
• Oftentimes, all the person needs is someone they can talk with about their personal struggle. Be a good listener. Just being there can make a tremendous difference.

More Information About Coming Out

• To oneself
• To the GLBT Community
• To Heterosexuals
• Considerations

Page updated: 27-Jun-2009

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