ABSTRACT
Coming out to one's self is part of becoming lesbian, gay, or bisexual. An individual passes from nonrecognition through a sense of difference to self-recognition and lesbian, gay, or bisexual affirmation. Coming out can lead to nonsexual interactions with other lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. The lesbian and gay community can provide support for teens and is a source of friendship, romantic relations, role models, and social norms. The coming-out process will vary with the particular family member and the individual lesbian or gay youth. Homophobia seems to be more prevalent in ethnic-minority communities, making coming out very difficult. The coming-out process will vary with the particular family member and the individual lesbian or gay youth. Coming out to the family is especially difficult for males. Siblings are perceived as potentially more accepting than parents. For parents in many cultures, the love tor their child may be in conflict with their internalized societal concept of lesbians and gays.
