Coming Out Stories

Here are some coming out stories from LGBT people in India, many from the MP group associated with Orinam. As you read the essays linked below, remember that the coming out process is likely to vary tremendously depending on your age, gender, family circumstances and economic independence, environment and experiences as an immigrant, second-generation (or later) member of the diaspora, or as a resident in your country of origin

.Further, (i) for some – but not all – people who are queer/trans, non-conforming gender expression gives them away as queer/trans – they don’t have the luxury of hiding their queerness because the gender expression itself attracts hostility and violence. For such people, not being visible is not an option. (ii) While it is true that coming out helps in greater visibility and in reducing stereotypes about queer/trans people, it is not a universal solution. Self-preservation and safety should take precedence. There can be unhealthy peer pressure to come out which must be tackled.

We hope that the following accounts inspire you in your journey towards coming out to yourself and consider carefully the possibilities of coming out to others. We encourage you to send in your experiences to us. Experiences of coming out post-377 are especially welcome.