The emotional, spiritual, mental and physical conditions of gay men all come equally into play in the struggle to maintain good health and well being. A healthy lifestyle and mental well being are key to successfully negotiating situations that place gay men at an increased risk of HIV transmission.

The Gay Men’s Health Fact Sheet Series highlights some key areas of gay men’s lives. Its goal is to help gay men and their friends, lovers and family members start their own conversations about healthy living.

This fact sheet discusses the process of identifying and disclosing as gay which is known as “coming out”. It outlines this process first by explaining what “coming out” is, then by detailing how one may “come out” and finally by discussing the benefits of coming out.