Coming out / Outing

Coming out refers to the deliberate process in which a person recognizes and, if they choose, discloses their sexual orientation, gender identity, or other intimate personal traits. A distinction is made between inner coming out, meaning one’s own recognition and acceptance, and outer coming out, meaning telling others. Outer coming out may happen once, but it is often a longer and recurring process.

Outing, by contrast, usually refers to the involuntary disclosure of such information by a third party. It is therefore not the same as coming out. In BDSM and sexuality contexts, respecting confidentiality is especially important, and information should only be shared with explicit consent.