Page 5 - Pink Book SA-TAS 2020

PAGE 5
COMING OUT, INVITING OTHERS IN

was here that a wider discussion around sex- erosexual until proven otherwise. This is known
uality as an identity rather than just sexual be- as heteronormativity. Thus, for many LGB peo-
haviour began to occur. ple situations that require coming out can be
Coming out took on particular importance in both a daily and ongoing process. LGB peo-
the 1970s and 1980s with the rise of the gay ple may only be out in some contexts and
and lesbian liberation movements in many keep private their sexuality for fear of discrim-
countries, including Australia. With the growth ination or abuse in others. In an effort to keep
of a public, politicised lesbian and gay themselves safe, some LGB people may not
movement, coming out became a strategy acknowledge having a same-gender part-
for visibility and pride. It also provided a way ner, change the gender of one’s partner
to include people who were not yet out in the when speaking about one’s relationship or
liberation process. Although initially excluded describe their partner as a friend. Having to
from lesbian and gay activism, bisexual lib- constantly come out and be aware of safety
eration movements also raised awareness of can leave LGB people feeling isolated,
bisexuality among heterosexual, lesbian and hyper-vigilant and invalidated. In a society
gay people. that assumes a person is heterosexual and
Recently, the concept of ‘inviting in’ has identifies with their assigned gender, coming
grown to challenge the existing idea of com- out /inviting in is not usually an easy
ing out. It is felt that inviting in is a more posi- process.The constant need to manage dis-
tive frame. Rather than coming out of a closure can be a source of stress for trans
secret world, inviting in can be viewed as a people, given the levels of discrimination and
loving and trusting process of inviting impor- violence trans people often experience. One
tant people into one’s inner world. It is also in- in five trans Australians have been threatened
clusive of a process whereby newly identified with non-consensual disclosure of their trans
LGB people are welcomed in by others al- history or experience.
ready living an openly LGB life.
It is widely assumed that all people are het-

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