coming out
In French, the English phrase "coming out" is used as coming out.
The term refers to the act of publicly declaring one's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Which one should you use?
The noun le coming out is used to refer to the phenomenon itself, whereas the verbal idiom sortir du placard is the standard way to describe the specific action an individual performs.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the phrase faire son coming out is used more frequently than dévoiler son homosexualité.
How does it change in a sentence?
In modern French, the English loanword coming out is frequently used as a masculine noun: le coming out.
Did you know?
- The French idiom sortir du placard literally translates to 'to leave the cupboard'. It uses a piece of furniture to represent the place where one hides one's identity.
- In France, using the English loanword coming out often feels more modern and less clinical than the traditional phrase dévoiler son homosexualité. The latter can sound like a formal announcement or a legal revelation.
- The phrase faire son coming out in Quebec integrates an English noun into a French verbal structure. This blending is a common feature of Quebec French, where English terms are frequently 'Frenchified' by adding a French verb like faire.
Examples in context
- Il a dévoilé son homosexualité lors d'une conférence internationale sur les droits de l'homme.He revealed his homosexuality during an international conference on human rights.
- Je fais mon coming out en tant que gay/lesbienne.I am coming out as gay/lesbian.
- Je révèle ma bisexualité.I reveal my bisexuality.
- Il a décidé de faire son coming out.He decided to come out.
- Le coming out est une étape importante.Coming out is an important step.
- Elle a peur de faire son coming out.She is afraid of coming out.
- Son coming out a été très bien accueilli.His coming out was very well received.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a mutual acquaintance's recent news.
- HugoTu as appris pour son coming out ?Did you hear about his coming out?
- ChloéOui, c'est une grande nouvelle pour lui.Yes, it is big news for him.
- HugoJe suis content qu'il soit plus libre.I am happy that he is more free.
- ChloéC'est vrai, il a l'air plus serein.That's true, he looks more peaceful.
