Gay and lesbians coming out earlier

A new survey by Stonewall, the gay rights lobby group, has revealed that the average age people are coming out as gay has dropped.

 

A new survey by Stonewall, the gay rights lobby group, has revealed that the average age people are coming out as gay has dropped. The survey by Stonewall was conducted online and over 1,500 people took part. According to the results of the survey the average age for coming out has dropped by over 20 years in the UK.

Of those question respondents over the age of 60 came at 37 on average. However, those questioned who were below that age came out at a much younger age. For example those under the age of 18 on average came out at 15.

“People are coming out younger and younger. Everyone should come out when they feel ready and confident but this is an encouraging trend and sends a positive message to anyone not yet out: you don’t have to wait. Britain is a fairer country than it once was, and support is available to you. – Ruth Hunt, Deputy Director of Public Affairs for Stonewall

The average age of gay and lesbians coming out dropping is a good sign that UK society is becoming more tolerant of homosexuality. In the last decade alone there has been great strides in gay rights in the UK made such as the equalisation of the age of consent, the introduction of civil partnerships and anti-discrimination laws regarding sexuality. There are also a lot more openly gay young role models in the media spotlight with Kieron Richardson and Joe McElderry being two prime examples of young men who have come out as gay this year.