Coming Out Resources
Coming Out Resources
There is no right or wrong way to come out. Each person’s situation is unique and requires unique considerations. However, the resources on this page can help you decide when is the best time to come out and how to do so safely.
- The Trevor Project Coming Out Handbook
The Trevor Project’s Coming Out: A Handbook for LGBTQ Young People is here to help you navigate questions around your identity. Exploring your sexual orientation and/or gender identity can bring up a lot of feelings and questions. Inside this handbook, we will work together to explore your identity, what it might be like to share your identity with others, and provide you with tools and guiding questions to help you think about what coming out means to you. - Human Rights Campaign Resource Guides for Coming Out
Coming out and living openly aren’t something you do once, or even for one year. It’s a journey that we make every single day of our lives. Every coming out experience is unique and must be navigated in the way most comfortable for the individual. Whether it's for the first time ever or the first time today, coming out can be an arduous journey. It is also a brave decision to live openly and authentically. Take a look through HRC's coming out resources to help you through the coming out process in realistic and practical terms. - Matthew Shepard Coming Out Resources
A collection of resources for coming out, including a glossary of terms, information for GSA's, and a resource guide to coming out. - GLSEN’s Coming Out Resources
As a young person, learning about your own LGBTQ identity and coming out in a heteronormative and cisnormative world can be challenging. To help with the coming out process, we’ve compiled some key things for you to think about and consider as you begin to share your identities around sexuality and gender.
Transition Resources
Transition Resources
Just like coming out, there is no right or wrong way to transition. These resources identify some common issues connected to transitioning, but each person’s transition is personal and unique. To talk to somebody about transitioning, contact NAU’s counseling services. There you will find a sympathetic and knowledgeable ear.
- My Pronouns
A resource to help people practice different pronouns. This resource also includes general information about pronouns and other resources. - GLAAD's Transgender Resources
A list of resources for transgender individuals, including hotlines, organizations, programs, general resources, and FAQ, and more. - HRC’s Resources for People with Transgender Family MembersMany people are affected when an individual comes out as transgender. In every aspect of life – be it at home, in the workplace or in the community – spouses or partners, children, family members, friends and coworkers of transgender people also struggle with the complexities of gender identity and gender transition. Issues such as non-discrimination policies and access to comprehensive healthcare are often as important for employees with transgender family members as they are to transgender employees themselves.
- HRC's Transgender ResourcesA list of resources for transgender individuals, including resources for transgender youth and children, resources about anit-trans violence, resources for transgender people with HIV, resources on transgender healthcare, and more.
Safer Sex Resources
Safer Sex Resources
Unfortunately, most people have not receive adequate, inclusive, and comprehensive sex education. These resources help fill that gap. People who receive anal or vaginal sex are at higher risk for contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HIV is a particular concern for the LGBTQ+ community, with the highest percentage of new cases still found among the community. Fortunately, research indicates that people hwo know how to protect themselves are more likely to do so, decreasing the chances of contracting STIs.
- Florida State University's Healthy Bodies Safer Sex
Florida State University's guide to safer sex, including information about caring for your body, dating, consent, protective devices, and more. - Trans Youth Sexual Health BookletCW for anatomically correct images. The booklet is aimed at young trans people and their partners. We wanted to include everything, but we had to draw the line somewhere so we decided to only include things that were trans specific or concerned trans people most.
- Trevor Project Resources for Sexual HealthA short list of organizations that support LGBTQ+ sexual health.
- GSA Network Resources for Sexual Health
The resources in this guide can help you make sure that your health needs are being taken care of by people who understand those needs. So, check out these resources, learn from them, and teach your peers. Let’s create a safe and healthy community. - Healthline's LGBTQIA Safe Sex Guide
We worked with GLSEN and Advocates for Youth to ensure that this safe sex guide is aimed at understanding the nuanced, complex, and diverse gender identities, sexual orientation, attractions, and experiences that exist in our world, which vary across cultures and communities. - Planned Parenthood Resources for Sexual Minorities
This resource also includes information about coming out and understanding one's sexual orientation. While Planned Parenthood can be considered a controversial organization, they provide important resources related to sexual health to LGBTQ+ communities. - Planned Parenthood Resources for Gender MinoritiesThis guide presents information about gender identities and resources for parents of transgender individuals. While Planned Parenthood can be considered a controversial organization, they provide important resources related to sexual health to LGBTQ+ communities.
- ScarletTeen, Sex Education for the Real World
Scarleteen is an independent, feminist, grassroots sexuality and relationships education media and support organization and website.
Lifelines and Crisis Numbers
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8253). Veterans press 1.
- Text TALK to 741741. Text with a trained counselor from the crisis text line for free 24/7.
- The Trevor Project, Trevor lifeline available 24/7. 1-866-488-7386.
- Trans Lifeline. Support for transgender people by transgender people. 1-877-565-8860.
- SAGE LGBT Elder Care Hotline. Peer support and local resources for older adults. 1-888-843-LGBT (5428).
- The LGBT National Hotline. Peer support and local resources for all ages. 1-888-843-4564.