Coming Out in Blackpool

Coming out isn't a single moment. Most LGBTQ+ people do it many times over: to themselves first, then to friends, family, colleagues and new people for the rest of their lives. There's no right age, no deadline and no wrong way to do it. Blackpool is a good place to take those steps, with an open LGBTQ+ quarter, friendly groups and support services that have helped many people before you.

Start with yourself

It's fine to be unsure. Questioning your sexuality or gender is a normal part of working out who you are, and labels are there to help you, not box you in. Some people find it useful to:

• read and watch stories by LGBTQ+ people
• talk to someone outside their family or friendship group first
• spend time in LGBTQ+ spaces, even just a coffee in the Rainbow Quarter in the daytime, to see how it feels

Talk it through with someone who understands

• Free LGBTQ+ counselling. The county LGBTQ+ charity offers free counselling by phone or video for LGBTQ+ adults across Lancashire, including Blackpool. Coming out is one of the topics its counsellors, who are LGBTQ+ themselves, are there to help with. Refer yourself on the charity's website.
• One-to-one support. The same charity offers eight sessions with an LGBTQ+ support worker to set goals and build confidence.
• In the Rainbow Quarter. The LGBTQ+ health charity at 102 Dickson Road offers one-to-one and online support on sexuality and gender identity. Call 01253 311431.
• Under 25? Blackpool's NHS young people's counselling service on Talbot Road helps with sexuality and has a Wednesday afternoon drop-in. Call 0800 121 7762.
• Information line. The county charity can point you to the right help. Call 07788 295521 (Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 4pm) or email hello@lancslgbt.org.uk.

Meet people who've been through it

Hearing how others did it helps. In Blackpool you can:

• go along to Blackpool Allies, a friendly social on the first and third Tuesday of the month (6pm to 8pm) at the Dickson Road centre, where you don't have to identify in any particular way
• join a youth group if you're a young person (see our young people page)
• try a monthly online peer group for men or for women and non-binary people, run by the county charity
• join the LGBTQ+ swim, the community choir or the cycling group for a relaxed way to meet people

Coming out to family and friends

• Pick your moment. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and aren't rushed.
• Have a plan B. If you're worried about the reaction, especially if you live with the person, make sure you have somewhere to go and someone to call.
• Give them time. First reactions aren't always final ones. Many families come round.
• Point them to support. Parents of trans people can join Transparent, a monthly Blackpool meet-up (email hello@lancslgbt.org.uk). Parents of LGBT young people can join a family support group run alongside the local youth groups (01253 344398).

If coming out puts you at risk of being made homeless, or someone hurts or threatens you, see our domestic abuse page. Help is available.

Coming out at work

You're protected by law from discrimination at work because of sexual orientation or gender reassignment. Plenty of Blackpool employers go further: colleges, GP surgeries and charities across the town hold the county's LGBT inclusion Quality Mark, and businesses in the Rainbow Quarter can earn the Be You Business Quality Mark. If your employer doesn't have an LGBTQ+ network, you could suggest it.

Coming out in faith

If faith matters to you, you don't have to choose between it and who you are. Blackpool has an openly LGBTQ+ inclusive church. See our faith page.

Coming out later in life

It's never too late. Many people come out in their forties, sixties or beyond. A daytime friendship group meets monthly in St Annes, and our older LGBTQ+ people page has more.

National Coming Out Day

National Coming Out Day falls on 11 October each year. Look out for events and walks around it from the county LGBTQ+ charity.

Services and group times can change, so check before you go.