Coming Out: Advice From Unilever Employees

Though LGBTQ+ acceptance is slowly improving, it can still be incredibly difficult for people to come out and express their true identity to their loved ones. To celebrate National Coming Out Day, myGwork reached out to LGBTQ+ employees at Unilever and asked them to share their advice for closeted people. Fabio Lucidi and Joyce Blommaert offered guidance for those struggling, giving an insight into their experiences.

Fabio Lucidi emphasizes how important trust is in such an important moment, advising people to take their time and open up to people they trust the most.  “Personally, I’d say you should go at your own pace. Don’t feel forced to come out if you’re not ready. Tell the people you trust and love, where you know they’ll most likely/definitely be supportive.”

He wants to reassure people who aren’t sure about their sexual orientation or gender identity: “It’s also fine if you don’t feel ready yet. And if you’re not even sure what to identify as, that’s also fine. Sexuality is a wide spectrum, and it doesn’t have to be “This” or “That”.

“Going at my own pace definitely helped me a lot when I came out,” Fabio adds. “I don’t think I could have done it otherwise. So definitely don’t feel forced or rushed into coming out if you’re not ready yet.”

Joyce Blommaert empathizes with people not open about their identity, knowing exactly how it can feel to go through such an impactful, often life-changing moment. However, she notes that the courage and bravery it takes to be yourself is, in itself, a gift to someone’s family and friends.

“I know it might feel as if the world will collapse when you come out,” says Joyce, “But know that this feeling will pass and know that you’re only telling people you love who you truly are, which is the greatest gift you can give. You are loved, you are held”.