Sarah, Volunteer at London Friend

What was your experience of coming out as an LGBT+? 

I came out in 1981, and although my family were fairly liberal, I was not going to be rejected, no one was pleased, and I did not expect anyone to be pleased.

On the night I came out to my mum we were crossing the road to go to a restaurant, and someone threw an egg at me! I presume they didn't like my style!

What was the definitive moment in making this decision?

There wasn't a moment, more a gradual move over a few years during teenage years.

What questions do people need to consider before coming out?

♥ Is this the right time for me to come out?

♥ Am I coming out because of peer pressure?

Based on your individual experience what advice would you give to someone wanting to come out?

Coming out isn't a one-off event, we have to do it throughout our lives. In terms of coming out to families, particularly when the family is homophobic, and/or totally unfamiliar with LGBTQ culture etc, I would say: 'it's a journey', things change, you don't know where you may end-up in terms of acceptance.