Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Docu shows emotional process of coming out of the closet.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
COMING OUT follows two young adults preparing to reveal their sexuality to some important people in their lives. Cameras follow 21-year-old Rachael, a lesbian living in Sacramento, California, as she struggles with her decision to come out to her estranged father. Viewers also meet Nevin, a 20-year-old college athlete from Cincinnati, Ohio, as he anxiously prepares to tell his rugby team that he's gay. From coping with the fears of revealing their true selves to experiencing the pride that comes from standing up for who they are, the two show how difficult it can be to come out to the people you care about the most.
Is It Any Good?
The documentary takes an honest look at the range of emotions that queer people are forced to contend with when deciding to come out of the closet. It also shows how difficult and potentially dangerous the actual moment they publicly reveal their sexuality can be—and how satisfying it can be once that moment is over.
The film is voyeuristic, but it also underscores how empowering coming out can be to someone who's comfortable with their own sexuality but still struggling with how best to present themselves in public spaces. The documentary also serves as a way of reminding viewers who may be struggling with similar issues that they're not alone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the significance of Coming Out for LGBTQ+ people. Why do you think Rachael and Nevin chose to come out on television? What are the advantages and disadvantages of coming out on a public platform?
What are some of the existing stereotypes about queer people? How does the media perpetuate or diffuse these stereotypes?
How can you help to create spaces for LGBTQ+ people to feel comfortable being their true selves?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 11, 2011
- Network : MTV
- Genre : Reality TV
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : June 23, 2025
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