The coming-out process for homosexuals.

Coming out is a core developmental process for homosexual persons that spans many years. It usually begins in childhood with feelings of being different and progresses through various stages, including acknowledgment of homosexuality, disclosure to others, acceptance of a homosexual identity, experimentation and exploration, and intimacy. Ideally, the process ends in consolidation, a stage in which homosexuals no longer view themselves primarily in terms of sexual orientation. The author describes the various stages of the coming-out process and discusses the clinical implications for therapy with homosexual patients.