I sometimes see people asking whether they should come out to friends/family. This is how I decide whether I should come out (as nonbinary and autistic, in my case).

If the reason I want to come out is *because I desperately hope for a particular reaction* from the person, like understanding and acceptance, and I'm scared an unfriendly or judgemental reaction might devastate me, then I might not be ready.

If the reason is that *I want the person to know who and what I am*, no matter what their reaction might be, even if their reaction hurts me, then it might be ok for me to come out to that person. I might worry about their reaction, but I know that I still want to tell them even if it's not what I hope.

Of course, my situation is different from other peoples. I have a lot of privilege as a middle class white person who can sort of pass for cis and neurotypical if I have to. So your mileage will definitely vary!

#ActuallyAutistic #nonbinary