It's a rite of passage for young non-heteronormative people, shared yet unique depending on their own circumstances.
Bec Robinson, who identifies as lesbian, is pictured above right, with her friend Quinnlyn, an LGBTIQ ally, ahead of the 2019 Sydney Mardi Gras.
Bec says she worked out she was gay in Schoolies week, at the end of high school. The first person she came out to was her gay male best friend, who was already out and proud. Telling her mum wasn't so easy.
Lauren*, who identifies as pansexual, has not come out to her family, who are openly homophobic and voted no in the same sex marriage plebiscite. She says she is still discovering her sexuality and says "it becomes harder and harder to identify yourself, labels don't really fit everyone".
Each year the ABC collects extensive data about triple j Hack's target audience (young people aged from 18 to 29), via its annual 'What's Up In Your World?' survey.
This year's "Census for Young People" surveyed a record 15,703 young Australians. It showed that 42 per cent of young LGBTIQ people have not come out yet and feel scared to do so. While down from 47 per cent last year, it remains a significant number.
With this in mind, I spoke with young LGBTIQ people about the complex challenges of coming out and the theme of discovery around gender orientation.
If this story has raised concerns contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or Lifeline on 131114.
*Not her real name.
