But what if it’s me in the closet?

If your sexuality or your gender is a private matter, that’s okay. You’re in charge of who you tell, and when. You don’t have to tell anyone, if you’re more comfortable like that.

If your friends and family already know, but you don’t want it shared any wider than that, then you do need to have a chat with them soon to make sure they understand your wishes and respect them.

I made a decision to be visibly “out” as a bisexual woman from the start of my time in the States, because I knew that I wanted to be able to speak from the heart on subjects like same-sex marriage. I also feel strongly that it does make a difference to see people ‘like you’ in roles you might want to do – by being out, I hoped to make it a little bit of an easier decision for the next LGBTQ+ person who was considering going into Guernsey politics.

But I know that’s not a decision everyone can afford to make, or is ready to make – and whatever your reasons, that’s absolutely fine. No one is likely to force you to come out if you’re not ready, and you don’t owe it to anyone else to do so.

Go back to Getting Into Guernsey Politics
Go back to Section 1.1: Making the Decision
Register to Vote