Coming out as part of the LGBTQ+ community can be a terrifying ordeal.

The uncertainty of figuring out whether someone is safe to come out to can fill them with distress and anxiety.

If a friend or loved one chooses to come out to you,

it means they've trusted you enough to share this very important part of themselves.

While it might come as a surprise at first, understand that their sexuality makes them no less of the person you love and appreciate.

Their identity is much more than their sexuality.

At the same time, it's still something very much worth celebrating.

Whether it's a friend, sibling, or someone else, here are some ways to support your LGBTQ+ friend.

Number one: Reassure your friendship and support.

Your friend has just come out as a minority that some people may not support.

So, be a kind person.

Show that you don't fall under the disapproving crowd by affirming that you're still their friend, no matter what.

These words of affirmation will provide them with a sense of relief.

So, make sure that your support is clear to them right away.

Say things like, "That doesn't change our friendship at all," or,

"You'll always be my friend, no matter what."

Number two: Offer them a hug.

Were they emotional before they revealed their sexuality to you?

Coming out can be an overwhelming experience.

Many people get emotional right as the words come out of their mouth, especially if you're the first person they've come out to.

If you're unsure of what to do, offer them a hug.

Hugs build a sense of trust and safety by boosting oxytocin levels.

And for people with physical touch as their primary love language, this can be a great way to show your full support of their reveal.

Number three: Learn more about their sexuality.

There's a world of different sexualities and identities out there, some that you may not have heard of,

but all are as valid as the next.

If you're confused about the terms they've used to identify with themselves,

don't be afraid to ask them about it nicely and appropriately.

They'll likely be happy to explain further for you.

If they're unsure themselves, give them a nudge to go see a therapist or counselor to help clear things up.

Even if they don't push through with that, showing thoughtful concern can mean the world to them already.

Number four: Lighten up.

Not all LGBTQ+ members come out of the closet the same way.

Some may come out in a grand spectacle, while others come out low-key.

Everyone's experience is different.

In any case, it's still important to show your unwavering support.

Stay off the jokes that may be deemed harmful and inappropriate, but don't act completely different and uptight, either.

Your friend would just want you to act the same way as you've always done, while also getting their sexuality or identity off their chest.

And that's a perfectly reasonable thing to wish for.

If their signals are unclear, ask them how you should support them as a friend.

Give them a chance to express their desires by opening a clear and open means of communication with them.

Number five: Be an ally.

Has your friend or sibling come out to you, and did so in fear that someone else would disapprove of their identity?

While there have been waves of progress made to challenge and fight against discrimination in recent years, it's still not completely phased out.

If you hear another friend or classmate make homophobic or transphobic remarks,

challenge their hurtful speech or help them understand the weight of the words they throw out.

No matter what, there are just some people who will never be on your friend's side.

The best thing you can do is to be a genuine friend that will always be there for them.

Create a safe space for your LGBTQ+ friend or loved one to be themselves.

And number six: Continue doing the same things.

Do you and your friend play video games every Friday night?

Do you walk home from school every day?

Well, keep doing it.

The last thing your friend or loved one wants is to make things awkward between you two.

Your friend might've stressed over the possibility of a friendship ending between you two or slowly drifting away.

Your friend coming out doesn't change anything negatively.

Continue nurturing the friendship and growing together⏤you can help them feel more at peace .

So, what was your favorite tip from this list?

When a friend comes out to you, focus your attention on them, give them a chance to express themselves.

Listen and show your support with no strings attached.

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