This year will mark the 26th anniversary of National Coming Out Day. Despite its impressive tenure, 31 percent of survey respondents had never even heard of the holiday before, while 59 percent felt that the date was important. Jack’d users were given a chance to explain why they felt it was important, with some responses including:
· “To feel the support of people and know you aren’t alone”
· “It’s a way to raise awareness of the multiple issues homophobia causes. Knowing that other people are still “coming out” helps people feel less alone”
· “It creates a safe space for people to talk about sexuality, and to encourage others to come out”
· “People can come out any day of the week, but making a special day for it may be what some people need to give them a little push and…COME OUT! (sic)”
· “It brings a national spotlight to the difficulties gay youth face in America and globally too, this is especially needed in a time when people are being killed for being gay around the world”
With over 5 million members, 80 percent of whom are between 18 and 25 years old in the U.S., the results are considered a reflection of young gay men’s’ dispositions towards coming out in 2014. Of those surveyed 16 percent cited that they came out before they were 16 years old, with the majority of people coming out before they were 20.
“When looking at how young gay men are coming out, I think it’s extremely important for us to offer as much support to them as we can. National Coming Out Day is a great platform for this,” said Adam Segel, CEO of Jack’d.
The importance of this date is highlighted by the fact that 10 percent of Jack’d survey respondents were not out to anyone. 48 percent of the closeted respondents explained they are still exploring their sexuality and not ready to identify. The other 52 percent explained they are not out due to family, religious, or social pressures.
Despite the rise of technology and the dominant role social media is playing in how young people communicate, it seems that face-to-face still rules the roost when it comes to coming out. 73 percent of respondents said they came out to someone in person, with only 7 percent using online tools to come out. Furthermore, 20 percent of gay men are not given the choice to come out, and instead are involuntarily outed by others.
The survey also found that gay men are least likely to come out to their fathers first, with 1 percent of votes. 37 percent of respondents identified a heterosexual friend as the person they first came out to. Friends may also be an easier audience to come out to as, according to the survey, family react worse to coming out news than do friends.
For those looking to come out on October 11, 2014, 50 percent of Jack’d survey respondents advise the best thing about being out is simply being honest with yourself. Jack’d also let participants provide one piece of advice for someone who hasn’t yet come out. An overwhelming amount of respondents stressed the importance of waiting until you’re ready and not rushing the process.
About Jack’d
Jack'd is the fastest growing gay app in the world among young gay adult men, with more than 5 million users, 80 percent of whom are between 18 and 30 years old globally. It's extremely popular with gay millennials, who are attracted by the app's strong community vibe and its array of free features. The app is truly an international phenomenon and is translated into more languages than any other gay app. Jack’d is owned by Online Buddies, Inc., the largest company in the world connecting men seeking men. Jack'd is available for iPhone and Android. To download the app from our mobile site, go to http://www.jackdapp.com
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