Two days until National Coming Out Day - Positive Effects of Coming Out

Yesterday, I showed what trouble we can avoid by coming out.

Today I'd like to examine some of the benefits.

Being honest - or at least not hiding - aspects of our lives can reduce stress. Stress can lead to heart disease, insomnia, weight gain, and many other medical issues, so this is not a trivial benefit.

For those of us who are single, coming out offers more opportunities to meet those with whom we might want to partner. Greater choice means we may find better matches and happier home lives.

Note that the above can apply to closet Barbie collectors, closet Buddhists, or any other group of people.

Add a study shows that, statistically, gay and lesbian people who come out have stronger careers.

Being honest about who we are and what we do can keep us from living double lives that take an incredible amount of energy to maintain.

National Coming Out Day is October 11.

References:

• http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2007/10/08/gays-who-are-out-of-the-closet-at-work-have-stronger-careers/