Coming out of the closet is one of the key events in the lives of LGBTQ+ people, which is often associated with feelings of fear of rejection, shame, confusion. Likewise, LGBTQ+ people may feel lonely, pushed to the margins, and may feel that they are alone. For this reason, it may take several years between the first feelings of homosexual identity and first decision to come out of the closet. For many people, coming out increases the risk of exclusion from certain aspects of society. Sometimes as a result of coming out, they may lose contact with their best friends, some LGBTQ+ people may move to another city, and some even remain without financial stability and a roof over their heads. Because coming out to parents often happens behind closed doors, in the comfort of a private home, many times discrimination and violence happen right there, and this violence remains denied, silenced and invisible. Coming out is a lot easier if people have a support system, or if they are familiar with safe spaces, where they can get positive information about LGBTQ+ issues that arise. This is why social workers are important in promoting gay positive practices. With regard to LGBTQ+ issues, we have a duty to keep re-educating ourselves, break stereotypes and prejudices and prevent violence, break the invisibility of the LGBTQ+ community, provide up-to-date information, and promote equality in our own policies. We are also required to train and support the colleagues and volunteers we work with and provide them with relevant literature. But first and foremost, we must be respectful and responsible allies, who always co-create solutions with our clients.
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