Coming out

"Coming out of the closet" (very often shortened to "coming out" in winking reference to the public introduction of debutantes) describes the voluntary public announcement of one's sexual orientation, sexual attractions, gender identity, or (less commonly) paraphilia.

LGB usage

Some people who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer, or who might prefer same-gender sexual activities or relationships, have engaged in heterosexual activities or have had long-term heterosexual relationships, including up to marriage. (Well known examples include Elton John and the late Leslie Cheung) Such apparently "heterosexual" behavior by people who would otherwise consider themselves gay or lesbian has often been part of being "in the closet", to create an illusion for acceptance by heterosexual surroundings. (They are to be distinguished from "Out" bisexuals in long-term heterosexual relationships.)

Related Topics:
Queer - Heterosexual - Elton John - Leslie Cheung - Out - Bisexuals

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Others who are "in the closet" have no heterosexual contact and simply want to protect themselves from discrimination or rejection by not revealing their sexual orientation or attractions (see pronoun game). This practice may be becoming less common as acceptance of homosexuality as a personal choice increases. Situational sexual behaviour, that is, situationally practising sexual activities other than a person's usual orientation, has been increasingly observed. Thus, some believe that the whole phenomenon of "coming out" would disappear with complete acceptance of gayness and gay people otherwise than as a personal choice, in that it would be unnecessary.

Related Topics:
Pronoun game - Situational sexual behaviour

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