In the closet
Closeted or in the closet refers to LGBTQ persons whose sexual orientation, sexual identity or gender identity has not been disclosed. The term can refer to someone's sexuality, sexual behavior or gender identity.
Metaphors such as “closeted” and “in the closet” refer to LGBTQ persons whose sexual orientation or gender identity has not been disclosed. This metaphor is sometimes combined with, and is associated with, coming out, the act of revealing one's sexuality or gender to others, to form the phrase "coming out of the closet".
LGBTQ people may stay closeted due to discrimination, fear for their safety, internalized homophobia/transphobia, or because they are in a hostile environment.
See Also
- LGBTQ | Gay | Lesbian | Bisexuality | Transgender
