Shirley hasn’t actually come out yet, but I thought her story was relevant to this project because it seems to be part of her process - as does her blog.  Good luck with it Shirley and please do the interview again when you’ve come out offline too.  Thanks.  Ulla

Country & city: Australia, Sydney
Name/nickname: Shirley (pseudonym)
Age:19
Gender:F
What did you come out as (gay, bi, transgendered, use any terms you like here)? Will come out as gay.
What other words would you use to describe yourself? Funny,horny,shy.
How old were you when you first realized your identity? I accepted it when i was 18, but I’d known it for much longer
How old were you when you first told someone? I haven’t yet. I just write about it online now.
Did you plan it? If so, how? No, I think I’m going to move out of home first.
What made you choose that person to tell? I’ll tell my bf because it’s the only way I can break up with him.
Can you remember exactly what you said? I’ll just tell him straight out, but probably over the fone.
How did you feel? I will feel great.
What was the person’s reaction? I’m sure he’ll be upset, but for himself, he ignores my feelings.
What did they say? I’m sure he’ll tell me to get fucked and call me sick.
What was your relationship with the person like afterwards? There probably won’t be one, but i want to stay friends.
What’s it like now? Unbearable.
If you’ve been outed unwillingly, who did it? Not applicable - but my sister would if she knew. The bitch.
What happened? She would tell my parents when i least suspected it, like at the dinner table.
What were peoples’ reactions? I’d be disowned.
If you’ve experienced homophobia etc, please give an example. My boyfriend is always talking about how he hates fags.
Since coming out, how “out” are you in the following areas of your life:
Educational institution: I would be quite out, I’m at uni studying fine arts, so it would be cool.
Job: Probably wouldn’t tell.
Family: Totally.
Friends: Um, mostly I’d be totally out because I’m finding new dyke friends.
What does being out mean to you? Relief.
What differences, if any, did your cultural background make to your experience of coming out? My family is strict and we are from a small country town.
What does the concept of the closet mean to you? Hiding and masturbation.
What advice would you give someone wanting to come out? Have more courage than me!
If you could do it all again, would you do it any differently? If so, how? Never get a boyfriend just because all your school friends get one.