When’s a good time to come out to coworkers? Sometimes I feel it’s unnecessary to “come out” but also believe your team could think you’re being too reserved with personal life.

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I've been at EY for several years and have a handful of close work friends, but I'm not out to them. I'm at a point in my life where I don't really care if people know or not, but it feels like there's not a good time because it's not something that comes up in conversation organically. I feel like I'm close enough to them that they deserve a "formal" coming out, but I don't know a good way to do that. I'm not talking anything crazy, but something more substantial than a slip of a pronoun. I'd want them to all hear it from me and not from each other if I can't tell them at the same time. I'm also in a small office, so I'm guessing word would travel fast.

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I agree, I’m on the same boat. Been working with these people for years and they’ve asked if I have a girlfriend but I’ve simply said no. Now it feels stupid that I haven’t come out cause I know they’re open minded and would just ask me why I was shy about it before. But it’s also getting to a point with me where I’m getting even closer to my coworkers and I feel they open up to me about their personal life while I’m being reserved.

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I usually just use the term “partner” and “he/him” when describing my SO. Makes it clear without formally coming out haha. More and more straight males are using “partner,” though so this isn’t as obvious these days 😂 (inclusive language is awesome tho)

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I didn’t have an official coming out to a lot of my coworkers. Some people I would just casually mention a date I’d have with a same sex person. Then when I moved to industry and got a desk I bought a little bi pride flag and put it on my desk. Had a couple people ask me what country it was lol

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it’s easier if you’re in a relationship to just casually bring up your significant other and use the right pronouns to signify. there’s no big coming out, it’s just matter of fact.

i don’t even know how i came out to coworkers when i was single. maybe it was becoming facebook/instagram friends with some of them? and then just let the gossip spread.

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I just mention it in passing. For example if somebody asks what I did over the weekend I’ll mention I went to a gay bar, gay party, general gay community involvement, etc. Also have mentioned dates I’ve been on if somebody asks if I’m seeing anybody

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I never formally came out. Someone asked one day and I answered truthfully. And in other conversations I just refer to my ‘partner’ and ‘he’ or ‘him’. I’ve never felt the need to explain.

You can simply just mention what you and your partner did over the weekend or plan to do in the near future. During the conversation make sure to use your partner’s pronouns as you describe him or her (whichever applies) so they can be heard by the folks you’re taking with. Look for anyone raising their eyebrows in surprise or anyone showing any other type of body language suggesting they didn’t know about your sexual orientation. And you can simply ask “You didn’t know that I’m a proud card-carrying member of the LGBTQ community?” make the question fun and everyone will not only be ok but they’ll love your sense of humor. Most importantly, your coming out will be viewed and treated as a non-issue as it should be. Happy coming out!!!

I will repost some PwC post about supporting its LGBT+ employees on LinkedIn every so often with a hashtag or two. People get the picture and it reminds them that I’m backed by the firm if they want to say anything rude. Not that i think they will...it’s just the most comfortable way for me.

I added the “I support inclusion” and pride flag to my email signature. And tell people if they ask. Word will get around.

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