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Step 1
Identify which sibling is most likely to accept your sexual orientation and to provide you with ongoing support.
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Step 2
Develop a game plan that provides you with a sense of structure that defines where, when, and how you plan to come out to your sibling.
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Step 3
Anticipate that coming out may increase your level of anxiety. As a result, your game plan may be changed, altered or modified.
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Step 4
Practice a coming out script that feels comfortable to you. Realistically, you will probably not follow your script, but the practice will increase your confidence.
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Step 5
Create a balance in your script. Confirm that you are the individual you have always been. Educate your sibling about the fact that sexual orientation is just one aspect of your personality.
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Step 6
Plan to educate your sibling about the incorret stereotypes society maintains about gay and lesbian people.
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Step 7
Select a time to meet with your sibling that is convenient to both of you.
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Step 8
Share your process of accepting your sexual orientation. If you realized at an early age that you were some how "different," talk about this.
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Step 9
Explain what it was like for you when you realized this difference was called gay or lesbian.
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Step 10
Share the joys and challenges you experience as a result of being gay or lesbian.
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Step 11
Question your siblings about the best approach for coming out to the rest of your family, especially with family members who will be critical and negative about your sexual orientation.
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Step 12
Confirm whether your sibling is willing to be an ongoing supportive ally during your coming out process with the rest of your family.
