We live in a society that is often prejudiced against gay, lesbian, bisexual, two-spirited, transsexual, transgendered, intersexed and queer people. Queer people are subjected to discrimination, rejection, verbal assaults, and even physical violence. There are many negative stereotypes about queer people that fuel this homophobia and transphobia. Queer youth of colour, two-spirited youth and youth who are often considered “other” based on aspects of their identity also deal with other forms of discrimination that may enhance feelings of isolation, embarrassment, and shame. Because of these attitudes, many queer people keep the truth of their sexual orientation or gender identity hidden away—we stay in the closet—invisible.

Since many people are heterosexual, our society tends to assume everyone is—unless someone lets it be known otherwise. Revealing our sexual and/or gender orientations—or coming out—isn’t easy, because we often face some negative responses. But it’s also hard to stay in the closet and hide our true selves. Queer people make many difficult compromises along the way to try to be both true to themselves and to survive well in a sometimes unfriendly world.