Coming Out

Coming Out is now more than ever a youth issue. Studies indicate that many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young people are aware of their sexual orientation/gender identity by the time they are 13. Chances are that more than a few students at your middle or high school are wrestling right now with how and when to tell their friends and families they are LGB or T. Whether you are LGBT yourself or wondering how to react to a friend who has just come out to you, the following information can help you to manage your coming out experience openly and with sensitivity.

Please contact us if any of these links are no longer working properly, or to suggest new ones. This list is not intended to be comprehensive, but to be a gateway to New York City resources and national directories. Thank you!

Coming Out Resources

American Psychological Association
Answers to Your Questions About Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality – http://www.apa.org/pubinfo/answers.html Provides answers to common questions about sexual orientation and homosexuality.

Gay & Lesbian Athletics Foundation
Promotes acceptance and visibility of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender men and women in the professional, amateur, and recreational athletics communities.

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and National Coming Out Project
Questions and answers about what it means to come out to yourself and others; read or contribute coming out stories.

Identity House
New York City-based free peer counseling and coming out support groups.

Institute for Personal Growth
Provides counseling and psychotherapy in New Jersey to people from all walks of life, concerning a vast number of issues and using a wide range of techniques and approaches in psychotherapy.

OutProud
Resource directory of local organizations, TransProud resource area, writings by LGBT youth, and much more.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Be Yourself: Questions and Answers for Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual Youth
http://www.pflag.org/publications/BeYourself.PDF PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through support, education, and advocacy.

Young Gay America
Personal stories and interviews of young, out LGBT people and their allies. Links and other fun resources.

Youth Resource
An LGBT-focused project of Advocates for Youth (www.advocatesforyouth.org) which champions efforts to help young people make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Also information on coming out and resources for deaf LGBTQ youth.

	Activities and Discussion Guides for Your GSA
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	Resources
*Resources For Student* Coming Out LGBT Youth Organizations Safe Schools *Resources For Educators* Safe Schools Be a Supportive Ally Request a Program at your school

What to Expect

Thinking about participating in the project but still have a few questions? Here's a look at what to expect when you sign up to go back to your high-school.

Project Overview and Responsibilities
Frequently Asked Questions

See the project in action

Watch some of our more famous Homecoming Project participants share their stories. What makes them relatable isn't their fame, but the experiences they've had along the way. You can make just as big an impact on LGBT teens in your hometown.

Dustin Lance Black's Homecoming Project
Neil Giuliano's Homecoming Project
Antuan Raimon's Homecoming Project

upcoming programs & events

Sep

Role Model Social
Tue. Sep. 10th-6:00pm to 8:00pm
at: 111 8th Ave, NYC

Everybody has a story to share! Come to Live Out Loud's Role Model Social - a night of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and mingling to learn how you can use your story to impact the lives of LGBTQ students! RSVP to [email protected].

Sep

Young Professionals Council
Mon. Sep. 16th-6:30pm to 7:30pm
at: 570 7th Avenue (at W. 41st St.) - 9th Floor

Are you a young professional with a passion for networking events and cocktail parties? Do you want to help us in our mission to empower LGBTQ youth? Join us for our second meeting to assist with the planning and execution of events to forward our mission and unite our community. RSVP to [email protected].

Sep

Development Committee Meeting
Mon. Sep. 23rd-6:30pm to 7:30pm
at: 570 7th Avenue (at W. 41st St.) - 9th Floor

Do you love special events, silent auctions, fundraising, or marketing? Use your skills and passion to help Live Out Loud serve LGBTQ youth! Please RSVP to [email protected]