Coming out as gay ‘can bring health benefits’

A study from the University of Montreal has revealed that coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) can help members of these demographics experience better mental and physical health.

Almost 90 people of diverse sexual orientations were recruited for the study, which assessed various health markers among subjects over two days, including levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can create a strain on various biological symptoms.

It was found that LGBs who had come out to family and friends experienced lower levels of psychiatric symptoms and lower morning cortisol levels than those who were still 'in the closet'.

According to researchers, this is to do with the positive effect self-acceptance and disclosure can have on members of these communities, though this effect is likely also dependent on the presence of tolerant social policies to aid the process.

Lead author Robert-Paul Juster said: "Coming out is no longer a matter of popular debate, but a matter of public health. Internationally, societies must endeavour to facilitate this self-acceptance by promoting tolerance, progressing policy and dispelling stigma."

This reinforces the findings of a study from Boston University School of Public Health last year showing that LGB youngsters who receive parental support and acceptance are more likely to live healthily in the long term.