The sound of silence (Excercise)

• You will need: pen and paper
• Estimated time: 15 minutes

When LGBTQI+ people are not out, fear being found out, or are scared of the repercussions of coming out, they may refrain from sharing important details about their lives when having conversations with others. Some may even talk about these details in a “roundabout-way” or discuss them within heteronormative or gender-normative language.

• What do you think, what are especially those topics that closeted LGBTQI+ people avoid sharing about and why?
• What emotions could come up in closeted LGBTQI+ persons when they face a situation in which they are more comfortable hiding their identity? What could be the visible signs of this?

What techniques you can use in your profession to make sure your closeted LGBTQI+ clients feel safe enough?