closet case
Secretly gay person
A closet case is someone who hides their homosexuality—someone "in the closet" who hasn't come out publicly.
The term often carries judgment, implying the person's concealment is obvious or causing problems: Everyone knows he's a closet case.
Sometimes used more broadly for anyone hiding a defining trait or preference.
Staying out of sight
- secretConcealed information
- denialRefusal to accept reality
- passingMoving by or temporary
- double lifeSecret parallel identity
facade · suppression · repression · mask · fear · shame · internalized homophobia · self-denial
Attracted to same sex
- lesbianWoman desiring women
- bisexualAttracted to multiple genders
- queerUnusual or non-normative
- homosexualitySame-sex romantic orientation
sexuality · orientation · identity · community · pride · acceptance · Stonewall · discrimination
Revealing one's identity
- outingShort recreational trip
- exposureState of being unprotected
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
rumors · gossip · questioning · confrontation · evidence · slip-up · caught · signs
hiding
Staying out of sight
double life · facade · suppression · repression · mask · fear · shame · internalized homophobia · self-denial · compartmentalization
gay
Attracted to same sex
homosexuality · sexuality · orientation · identity · community · pride · acceptance · Stonewall · discrimination · prejudice
coming out
Revealing one's identity
- outingShort recreational trip
- exposureState of being unprotected
- revelationSurprising disclosed truth
suspicion · rumors · gossip · questioning · confrontation · evidence · slip-up · caught · signs · tells
closet caseout and proud
Visibly embracing one's identity
out · Harvey Milk · flaming · Ellen DeGeneres · Laverne Cox
closet caseauthentic self
One's genuine identity
true to oneself · unapologetic · unashamed · transparent · shameless
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