How to React When a Friend Comes Out to You

By: Anonymous 

When someone comes out to you it means they trust you and are willing to risk losing you as a friend to be themselves. It can be hard to know what to say in this situation, but here are a few tips that you may want to keep in mind:

1. Thank your friend for telling you and congratulate them for having the courage to do so.

2. Don't make rude comments. If you have strong religious or other beliefs keep them inside for now

3. .Respect your friend's confidentiality. If they don't want you to tell people, then don't.

4. Tell your friend that you still care about them, no matter what. The main fear of people coming out is a lack of acceptance.

5. Don't make it too serious. Occasional humor may lighten the mood and ease tension.

6. Ask questions. If you don't understand what they are identifying as ask them. But also understand that they might not have all the answers.

7. Talk with them regularly. This will let them know you are still friends.

8. Don't change what you have always done. They are still the same person, they just gave you more information about their life.

9. Don't let your friend isolate themselves. Let them know of plans you have or fun clubs that you may want to join with them.

I hope these tips will help you feel more comfortable if your friends come out to you as a part of the LGBTQ+ community. If you want any more information go to this website: