'Coming out' is the process of working out your sexual
orientation, identifying your self as lesbian, gay or bisexual and
becoming comfortable enough to disclose this to other people. Some
people don't realise they are gay, lesbian or bisexual until they
are much older. Others know from a very young age.
Whatever age a person may realise their own sexual orientation,
coming out is a process that is rarely done only once, as everyone
who is lesbian, gay or bisexual meets a new group of friends,
changes jobs, or interacts with new people in any other way, they
have to decide again if they will come out as LGB to these new
contacts and gauge what the reaction might be.
Not everyone who is attracted to people of the same sex is
comfortable with the terms, lesbian, gay or bisexual.
If thinking about your sexual orientation feels difficult or
confusing you can get support and advice from the agencies listed
under help and support.
However you choose to describe yourself this site is about
providing you with information that will help keep you
both safe and happy in your personal and sexual
relationships.