Coming out: is it still relevant?

Abstract

This project examines the concept of "coming out" and how it relates to the current generation of LGBTQ community members. The main focus was whether or not coming out was still as important to the individual and society as it has been in the past. As the LGBTQ community has become a more prominent topic in our society through progressive equality movements such as the repealing of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) and legalized marriage equality in 16 states, we wanted to see how it affects and is viewed by our peers. This topic generates a wide variety of reactions. In the past coming out had severe repercussion such as job loss and even hate crimes committed against “out” individuals in the public and private eye. In contrast, we now mainly see a more accepting society in the public sphere. While this public view is widely broadcasted, more private affairs are still relevant to our everyday lives. To better understand this, we interviewed peers about their experiences with coming out and how they believe it has affected themselves and others.