Is there any need to come out in the workplace?

Sometimes people say, “Sexuality is a private matter, so why bother to talk about it at the workplace?”

But is this really so?

Even in the workplace, there are situations in which people talk about private matters with their coworkers. Also, there are many cases when the subject is based on the existence of a partner. For example,

“This is the lunch box my boyfriend/girlfriend made for me.”
“How was your summer vacation trip? Did you go with your family?”

If there is still an atmosphere in the workplace where coming out is not allowed, many people feel pressured to “hide” even small, everyday conversations.

In addition, a situation where coming out is not possible may also cause difficulties in times of urgency.

⚫︎I need to nurse or care for a partner, partner’s family member, or child
⚫︎I need to use an in-house same-sex partner program
⚫︎I need to use systems and facilities according to my gender identity

If you are heterosexual or cisgender, these conversations are not perceived as “coming out”. This is because they are assumed to be so “normal” in society.

Coming out is not something that you must do, but it is not an issue that can be dismissed as “it’s a private matter and doesn’t need to be shared”.