A term referring to a person deciding to tell once and for all that he is a homosexual.
"Why couldn't this term mean 'telling the truth'? -_-' "
-me
by Dave September 26, 2004
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after 17 cozy years in the closet seth finally decided to come out as gay
by j.osky September 10, 2020
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1. An awakening as to who you really are in terms of sexual orientation and attraction, which usually doesn't fit mainstream heterosexism. Coming out means figuring out that you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, etc., and it happens in stages across a certain period of time. One aspect is coming out to yourself, a process that ends at some point.
2. Deciding to tell certain people in your life that you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, etc. This is a never ending process, because every time you move, change jobs, or make new friends you have to decide whether to share your sexual orientation or not. It's not always a good idea, because there is still prejudice and discrimination in workplaces.
3. Activists make public declarations about their sexual orientations as lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, pansexuals, etc., not to solidify their identities or to determine if their friends are truly friends, but to reduce the invisibility of these marginalized identities by advocating for acceptance and affirmation in mainstream society.
1. When Ethan realized he was bisexual, he came to understand and accept his sexual orientation by coming out to himself but not to anyone else.
2. While Jennifer was coming out, she decided to tell her friends and queer acquaintances about her lesbian sexual orientation but not her parents or coworkers.
3. After many years of being accepted as a gay man at work, among his family and friends, and within himself, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, decided that his coming out would extend to a public declaration so he could use his good fortune and safe life to do something to help youth coming out into more dangerous situations.
by Storm7 November 6, 2015
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When gay men and women and bisexuals can finally accept who they are and reveal their orientation to friends and family

A perfect example of someone coming out:
Guy:
Gay Guy: Uhhh... Dave? Theres something I need to.. tell you.
Dave: What is it bro?
Gay guy: I think I'm gay.
Dave: Serious? How long have you known?
Gay guy: A year... Can we still be friends?
Dave: sure, man. as long as you're not turned on.

Girl:
Lesbian girl: ..Hey trish?
Trish: what
Lesbian: If I tell you somethng will you completely freak out?
Trish: No! What??? Tell me.
Lesbian: You're totally gonna think Im weird but.. im a lesbian.
Trish: (silent) *laughs* REALLY?!?!?!?!?!? Your kidding
Lesbian: no.. im serious.
Trish: how long have you known?
Lesbian: since i was like..... ten
Trish: Wow.

Bisexual:

Bi Girl: Mom? I need to tell you something. I cant take it anymore.
Mom: What..
Bi Girl.: I'm attracted to girls, mom. And boys. Im bisexual.
Mom: (silent) Really? What if its just a stage in your life..? it could be just a stage!!
Bi GIrl: No.. mom. I know myself better than anyone else. I;m bisexual.
Mom: Wow.
Bi Girl: You're not mad, are you?
Mom: no of course not.
Bi Girl: Okay. (hugs)
by sdfsfsdfsfsd er gdfg September 5, 2006
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is the term used by lesbians, gay men and bisexuals to describe their experience of self discovery, self-acceptance, openness and honesty about their sexual orientation and their decision to share this with others when and how they choose.
by dijjn June 4, 2003
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When a gay, lesbian, homosexual etc. reveals to the public that they are what they are.
by DiiKaBaKa January 20, 2004
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"I thought Steve was straight but I heard he just came out."
by Megan Redhead November 11, 2002
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