People are coming out younger than ever. For Black men, it’s still challenging.
In classrooms, on social media, and within families, young people are coming out earlier than ever and with a broader range of identities.It’s a far cry from previous generations who came out later, more carefully or not at all.
The cultural shift is primarily due to growing acceptance. However, some adults still struggle to reveal their authentic selves.
Subscribe to Native Son’s newsletter for more news, information, and conversations about Black gay and queer everything.In a recent Gallup survey, approximately 18%—of LGBTQ+ Americans say they are comfortable only telling Gallup surveyors who they are, acknowledging they are not comfortable informing others in their intimate circle of family and friends.
The Gallup study did not discuss how coming out is viewed in various ethnic communities. For example, in the Black community, because of a complex interplay of cultural, religious, and social factors, coming out often presents a unique set of challenges, including a sense of stigma and even shame.
