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Coming Out
Do I Have to Be Out to Be Gay?
No.
To be “out” means that you tell others about your sexual orientation. There are many things that need to be in place before someone is ready to be out. Also, some people never fully “come out” and when they do, they may only come out to a few very close friends or family members.
If you are experiencing feelings of guilt, anger or fear, then this may not be the time to come out. However, it may be a good time to talk to someone on a gay or youth “help” phoneline. These phonelines are a way to get answers without having to let anyone know who you are.
Safety is a key issue when telling someone that you are gay. You need to ensure your safety above all else. Food, shelter and physical safety are critical. Do not do anything that will jeopardize any of these!