Lacking Community

Anwyl Burfein suggests that people are “loath to come out” when no one else is out, creating a cycle of silence.

Risk was seen to characterise the absence of homosexual activism, meaning NHC attendees ultimately recognised a balancing act between the dangers of being public with one’s identity and what was lost when one did not live as one’s self.

Isolation was a key theme associated with remaining in the closet. There was a belief that visibility helped other homosexuals see that they were not alone, allowing more people to feel more secure in their identity. Therefore, not coming out risked forcing other homosexuals into loneliness and seclusion. This was indirectly connected to the Conference itself, as NHC was seen as an opportunity to physically manifest the community created when people came out.[1]

Although they highlight some of the ethical concerns around forcibly outing someone, the Coming Out Workshop also recognised the value of having people (like lovers) around you come out, and concerns for “invisibility”.

The Committee was proud that the Conference was a chance for people who had never had experience with the homosexual community to connect to other people like them.

[1] Willett, Living Out Loud, 123-4.