When the boss gets to know

If you are still in school, or training for a job, or even gainfully employed, you will want to come out to those with whom you work or study. You see these folks everyday. After a weekend, when your school or work friends talk about their encounters and dates, you want to be able to speak openly and honestly about your social life as well.

At School
Coming out to friends at school should not be a problem. But you should try to choose an appropriate moment. Perhaps during a biology class when the subject is sexual orientation, or in a speech class when the topic is alternative lifestyles. Today's young people are well informed about homosexuality and make no judgments about it. Often, they will want to learn more about you and your "gayness." And who knows? Your example may encourage other school friends to come out too!

At Work
The workplace may present greater difficulty. If you are a temporary, part-time, or full-time employee, usually you have limited power or influence in your company. PROCEED CAUTIOUSLY. First, consider how your coming out may affect your job. If you have an open-minded and liberal supervisor, your task may be simple. If your boss is narrow-minded and homophobic, however, you would be wise to keep your sexuality to yourself. From a legal perspective, in most places, he (or she) cannot discharge you simply because of your sexual orientation (See "Homosexual Rights"). But if your boss does not want to keep you at your job, he could dig up irrelevant or unfair reasons to fire you. Of course, you could hire a lawyer and fight for your rights in court. But do you really want to continue working for such a company under these circumstances?