It's important for me to share my experience because I know it can be useful for other LGBTQ+ people in the business / industry to see out employees. As a straight-passing gay man, it's also important for me to share my story to remind people I bring a different perspective. The LGBTQ+ Network has been so helpful in making me feel safe being out at LCP and finding other role models, such as our network chairs or DEI managers. The Network also hosts a monthly coffee morning for LGBTQ+ colleagues. These informal gatherings help build a sense of community, and everyone is welcome to attend. I’d encourage anyone who’d like to attend to get in touch with myself or Katie.

My Story

Coming out isn’t a one-time event. It’s a decision I make almost every day, whenever I meet someone new. The first time I came out was the hardest - but I quickly learnt that it wasn’t the end. Every introduction, every conversation, holds that familiar question: “Should I say it or let them assume I have a girlfriend? How will they react?”

Sometimes it’s easy – people are open and welcoming, and I feel safe. Other times, I hesitate. I gauge their words, their body language, worrying about how they will see me after. There’s always that split second where I brace myself for judgment, awkwardness, or – hopefully – acceptance. There are so many examples, good and bad - a straight woman who becomes disinterested in our conversation and changes seat at the dinner table a few minutes after I mentioned my boyfriend; a straight man who proceeds to show me pictures of his daughter’s queer wedding for the rest of our work dinner.

It can be exhausting, constantly balancing whether to be fully myself or just avoid the conversation. But it does get easier - I no longer get anxious about it and feel comfortable coming out to most people. I actually find it easier at work, because if someone treats you in an unfair way there are policies in place to keep them accountable.