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Gay & Lesbian
University of Illinois Counseling Center: Coming Out
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http://www.counselingcenter.illinois.edu/?page_id=150
The decision to come out is always personal. Whether to come out and, if so, when, where, how, and to whom are all questions you must answer for yourself. Taking control of this process includes being aware in advance of potential ramifications so that you can act positively rather than defensively. Coming out may be one of the most difficult tasks you confront in your life, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. Coming out is one way of affirming your dignity and the dignity of other LGBT people. Remember that you are not alone; there is a viable LGBT community waiting to be explored, and more heterosexual ?allies? are willing to offer their support than you might have first imagined.