Shorthand for coming out of the closet. The phrase is used to refer to several aspects of lesbian, gay and bisexual persons’ experiences: self-awareness of same-sex attractions; the telling of one or a few people about these attractions; widespread disclosure of same-sex attractions; and identification with the lesbian, gay and bisexual community.

Qmunity – LGBT+ people may come out in reference to both gender and sexuality and often have to come out repeatedlyto new people. It is the process of becoming aware of one’s queer sexual orientation, one’s 2-Spirit or trans* identity, accepting it, and telling others about it. This is an ongoing process that may not include everybody in all aspects of one’s life. [See Qmunity website – http://qmunity.ca/wp- content/uploads/2015/03/Queer_Terminology_Web_Version       Sept_2013     Cover_and_pages_.pdf]

American Psychological Association. (2008). Sexual orientation & homosexuality: Answers to your questions for a better understanding. Retrievedfrom http://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.aspx.