9781422275283

Why Is Coming Out Difficult? Even though a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is nothing to be ashamed of, many people—young and old—still feel apprehensive about the process. American culture, in general, continues to be heteronormative , and most people assume others are straight and cisgender unless told otherwise. As the Human Rights Campaign explains, people are raised from a very young age to think they should fit into a certain mold. They are informed, both directly and indirectly, that boys and girls are supposed to act in certain ways, and that it’s “normal” to be attracted to people of the opposite sex.

Coming out is a deeply personal decision.

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When You’re Ready • Coming Out

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