How to Come Out: A Guide for Women Questioning their Sexual Orientation

By Essie Reis

The How to Come Out - A Guide for Women Questioning Their Sexual Orientation offers step by step advice and true case scenarios on how to accept oneself as a lesbian or bisexual woman; how to come out to parents, children, boyfriends or husbands, healthcare providers, at church and more. This book will help questioning women accept themselves, gain confidence and self-respect. It provides insight on how to come out to others, gain acceptance and transition into a life of greater freedom and happiness. Also included are the author's Top 10 List of Lesbian Resources as well as a comprehensive list of Self-Help Resources.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Essie Reis
• Release date: May 22, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476155753

Essie Reis

Essie Reis has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto, specializing in Sociology and Psychology. She has worked extensively as a lesbian activist and LGBT counselor. She has chaired numerous gay and lesbian committees, co-founded a lesbian and gay multicultural association and has facilitated a number of ‘coming out’ groups. Most recently she has been a founding member of Lesbians Today lesbianstoday.com.The website offer information and resources on: lesbian families, parenting, entertainment, travel, events, lesbian relationships, dating, sexuality and a great deal more. It is also home to the exclusive lesbian and gay comic strip, Among Amigos and the weekly column Hot Date Nights.

Book preview

How To Come Out

Guide for Women Questioning Their Sexual Orientation

by Essie Reis

Copyright 2011 Essie Reis

Smashwords Edition

Table of Contents

Copyright Notice

Acknowledgments

Introduction

My Coming Out Story

About Sexual Orientation

Why Come Out

Stages of Coming Out

Coming Out to Yourself

Coming Out to Your Friends

Coming Out to Your Teenager

Coming Out to Your Young Children

Coming Out to Your Parents

Parenting Questions

Coming Out to Your Siblings

Coming Out to Your Boyfriend/Husband

Coming Out to Your Child’s Teacher

Coming Out to at Work

Coming Out to Your Health Care Provider

Coming Out to Your local Politician

Coming Out at Church

Reducing Discrimination

Secrecy

Closing Remarks

Glossary

Bibliography

Top 10 Lists of Lesbian/Bi Resources

Other Resources

About the Author

Copyright Notices

Copyright 2011 Essie Reis

Cover Design – Spiked Ideas

Legal Notices

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smash words.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein. This publication is not intended for use as a source of legal or professional counseling advice.

The reader of this publication assumes responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, in the purchaser's country is the sole responsibility of the purchaser or reader. The author and publisher assume no responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of any purchaser or reader of these materials. Any perceived slights of specific people or organizations is unintentional.

Acknowledgement

I would like to thank my partner, Chris Alderson, for her support and encouragement in the development of this guide.

Introduction

Throughout history lesbians, bisexuals and gays have been kept silent, unnoticed and unseen in an unnecessarily shameful position. It is for this exact reason that today’s Pride events are so important in showing that we are not afraid to live 'out and proud' lives.

The progress that LGBT rights have taken in the last 10 years is phenomenal. It is important however, to give thanks to those who fought for LGBT rights in the past and endured great prejudice, because they have paved the way for us today. While we still have a long way to go, we are on the right path and will pass the torch to the next generation to lead us on to a more giving, loving and prejudice free life in the future.

The LGBT community worldwide is living, loving, marrying, having children and creating families. So, take charge of your life and make it the best you can!

Chris Alderson

Co-Founder, Lesbians Today

www.lesbianstoday.com

My Coming Out Story

I came out when I was 23 years old, although I really came out to myself when I was 15. I was raised in a Catholic home where I didn’t feel free to be myself. I suffered from depression throughout my teenage years because I felt closeted. I dated men initially, but at 23, after a struggle with thyroid cancer, I realized that life was too short, so I decided to radically change it. I broke up with my boyfriend of three years, left home and came out as a lesbian.

While attending the University of Toronto, I joined a ‘coming out’ group which I later facilitated for several years. This was an extremely important social network that allowed me to freely express myself among women who could relate and understand me. During that time, I came out to my parents, my brother, sister and to my friends. Through this group I met my first girlfriend and developed solid long term friendships. I developed a sense of pride and confidence that now defines my personality.

Why I Wrote This Book

I wrote this book because my coming out process has been a continuous adventure of challenges, tears and rewards. My intention is to facilitate your coming out process, and serve as a friendly reminder that coming out does not have to be a difficult or painful process, but rather a liberating one which can bring you joy and greater freedom.

In this guide, I provide you with direction by giving you recommendations and concrete steps on how to come out to: yourself, your parents, children, and other important people in your life . In addition, I