Support Is Key to ‘Coming Out’ Process for Gay People: Study

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/hd/21021

The long-term impact of this step often depends on local community, researchers say.


MONDAY, June 20 (HealthDay News) -- For gay and lesbian Americans, the rewards of "coming out" often hinge on the support of the local community, a new study shows.

Research has shown that gays, lesbians or bisexuals who reveal their sexual orientation typically boost their self-esteem and experience less anger and depression. And the new study found that disclosing one's sexual identity makes people even happier than previously thought.

However, the benefits of coming out are limited to socially supportive settings, and may not apply to those exposed to hostile or judgmental environments.

"In general, research shows that coming out is a good thing," said the study's co-author, Richard Ryan, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester in a news release. "Decades of studies have found that openness allows gay people to develop an authentic sense of themselves and to cultivate a positive minority sexual identity."

[RKP5637]

1. K&R

[BillStein]

2. I've thought about that

Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, coming out was easier with a big city and an active GLB* community nearby. When we travel, I think about how much harder coming out would have been if I hadn't had an outlet nearby, or if I lived in a place where everything I did came under scrutiny.

I realize things have changed (thankfully) since then. If nothing else, there are virtual communities like this one. But how much harder must it be for gay teens in small towns, where life is centered on the local church?

[w8liftinglady]

3. which is exactly what gay teens in my area experience.

Texas is freaking weird.
Ellis County still has an active KKK that likes to jack with "teh gay".
Ellis County has 2 fairly large public colleges and no glbt resources.
Neighboring Henderson County has several openly gay mayors,politicians etc...as well as several really great gay bars for the locals.25 miles between the two.

It's a mess.

[BillStein]

4. Pennsylvania isn't that much better

Once you get outside of the major metro areas, you're in a mini bible-belt, complete with hate groups.