Sexuality: Coming Out to Yourself

Before you can come out to anyone else, you have to come out to yourself. There is no hard and fast rule when this happens. Some people are certain of their sexuality from a very young age; for others it can happen much later in life. Accepting the conclusion that one is gay, lesbian or bisexual hopefully is easier nowadays than it has been in the past. Attitudes are somewhat more accepting and there are now more people living openly gay and lesbian lives than there has been in the recent past.

The University of Sheffield seeks to offer a supportive environment to students of all sexual orientation, and the Student Union is active in offering support to gay, lesbian or bisexual students and in challenging homophobic (anti-gay and lesbian) attitudes.

However the decision to come out to yourself can still be a very scary one and can be a period of upheaval and uncertainty. If you want someone to talk to during this time, there is considerable support available from the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Office (phone 2228673, e-mail: LGBT@sheffield.ac.uk, LGBT Committee website:www.lgbt.union.shef.ac.uk). The Counselling Service will also be happy to help you.

email : LGBT@sheffield.ac.uk

website: LGBT Committee