How to Help Your Bi Friend Come Out

Co-authored by Deb Schneider, LCSW, PPSC

Last Updated: May 4, 2023

You may not know if your friend is bisexual, but you might have some suspicions. This article will help you in broaching the subject and helping them come out and accept themselves if your friend is bisexual.

Steps

Tell them you have a positive attitude towards LGBTQ individuals. Try to find out if they also respect LGBTQ folks. If you find out that your friend doesn’t support the LGBT community, don't try this method with them.
If you are close enough, either of your houses could be the best option. Make sure that you two are alone. Don't select a place where others can invade your privacy.

Advertisement
Make sure that the atmosphere is calming and that neither of you have any unrelated stress. Try to make your friend feel safe with you. You should talk to them in a private location at a time where you both aren’t busy.
4
Discuss their identity and situation. Try to turn the conversation towards LGBTQ topics so that your question doesn't come from out of the blue. Then, you can either slip it quietly into conversation or ask outright.
- Watch how your friend reacts. Be patient and understanding.
5
Be supportive. Their coming out to you is most likely a sign of trust, so don't betray that trust. Make sure that your language and movements are calm and friendly. Remind them that their identity is valid. Say you'll be there for them and back up your words with action.
- Say something like "Thank you for choosing me as a person to come out to. I want to support you in any way that I can. What do you think I could do as a good friend?" ^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

I have a friend who just revealed herself as bisexual. I was wondering if there's anything special I can do for her, maybe like a craft or something to help her feel welcome. Any tips?

Antisocial_Kenz

Community Answer

If you wanted to make a craft you could paint a bisexual flag on a canvas, and then possibly write her name in the center.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 11
Question

My friend is bi and I have a crush on him. What do I do?

Community Answer

Tell him how you feel. Maybe he likes you back. You won't know unless you talk to him.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 11
Question

What should I do if after 25 years of marriage, my husband tells me he is bi-sexual?

Community Answer

Try couples therapy to help you figure out what to do next. It's not an easy path, and it's understandable to feel hurt and betrayed. However, do consider the torment he is likely experiencing as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 11

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

If at all possible, let your friend come out without you asking. If they trust you enough and they are not questioning their identity, they will come out when they feel safe.

Thanks
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 2

Warnings

Don't be offended or hurt if your friend doesn't want to come out to you-- it's a scary and personal thing. The right time will eventually come when they are ready.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If your friend is still in the closet, they might become worried that you've caught on because they'll worry that other people will as well. Be calm and tentative when bringing up the topic.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

[1]

How to Help Your Bi Friend Come Out

Steps

Community Q&A

Video

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About this article

Did this article help you?

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories