Sweet coming out moments

Many young people I meet really want to come out to the grown ups at home. But they feel afraid. What will they say? What if they are mad? What if they cut me off from my friends? These are good things to think through in advance.

It is important to come out in our own time, in our own way. If I'm honest, I would suggest not doing it during the holidays, when feelings and stress levels are already running high. When you do decide to come out, if you do decide to come out, make a plan. Think about the most important thing you want them to hear. What are you asking of them, if anything? Can you share some of your process with them? How long this has been on your mind? And do you have an adult in some other part of your life who you can tell in advance that you'll be coming out and you can check in with later? A friend's parent, neighbor you trust, relative or even an older sibling? Make sure you have all the people who you might need to love and support you ready to go!

And remember, no matter how it goes, who you are is good and worthy of being known, loved, and celebrated.