In This Issue Current Issue Archives

November 2006

From the Editor
Coming out may be easier than living out. Coming out—whether during the holidays or at another time—implies a one-time deal, a conversation that transports GLBT people into a new world of self-realization and affirmation. And then the discussion ends. But that initial conversation, despite whatever repercussions it may have, only opens up the subject that will be there each day for students for the rest of their lives.

Coming Out for the Holidays
Eagerly, cautiously, fearfully but with young, optimistic hearts—this is how students will approach the prospect of telling family and old friends that they are gay, lesbian, transgender, or bisexual this holiday season.

GLBT Campus Matters - November, 2006 - Full Issue PDF
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The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Pointers on the Coming-out Process
The following are excerpts from a presentation on coming out by Pat Tetreault at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Books on Coming Out
On its website www.hrc.org, the Human Rights Campaign offers the following list of books and guides to help those navigating the path and the aftermath of coming out. Guides from the HRC’s Coming Out Project are available for free, and many can be downloaded.

Tips for a Happy Holiday
PFLAG, considered a prime resource for those coming out to families and friends, has compiled the following tips for those thinking of coming out over the holidays.

Six Steps Towards a More Trans-Inclusive Campus
Even if your institution has extensive programming and services for gay, lesbian, and bisexual students, there’s a good chance that it is ignoring its transgender students, says Jessica Pettitt, who helps train higher education audiences in social justice and diversity issues. Pettitt recently led an on-line seminar for Magna Publications on the subject of making your university or college more trans-inclusive.

Counseling Students on the Challenge
Campus Matters recently sat down with Carolyn E. Gehle, LCSW, a psychotherapist practicing in Chicago, to discuss the venture of coming out. The conversation particularly addresses issues that affect students as they consider breaking the news to family and friends during the holidays.