How to Come Out as a Doctor

Coming out, or openly admitting that one is homosexual, is a difficult task for most people, even doctors. Being a gay doctor in today's society presents its own set of difficulties, but a few pieces of advice can help alleviate stress associated with coming out.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Consider joining a support group specifically designed for those who wish to come out. Most large cities and some smaller towns offer some sort of support group for gay and lesbian individuals. If you feel that you don't have a good support network, seek advice from others who are in the same situation.
2. Seek out other medical professionals that have come out. Many websites and webrings help bring together the gay medical community. Discussion boards and posting forums are also a great resource for building support and getting advice.
3. Tell the people you trust. If you fear a backlash or a lack of acceptance from your immediate medical community, come out to a small group and tell only those people who can keep the information in confidence.
4. Expect some measure of backlash from your patient base. It's unlikely that patients will know if their doctor is gay unless the community is especially close or the practice is in a small town. However, if patients do know, a few will likely find themselves unable to cope with the news.
5. Remember that there are advantages to being a doctor who is openly gay. After coming out, some of your patients and members of the community may feel more comfortable seeking your medical and personal advice and apply your knowledge and experience to their own lives.