in the closet
Not publicly known
In the closet describes someone who is hiding an aspect of their identity, most commonly their sexual orientation or gender identity.
A person who is in the closet has not publicly revealed that they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or otherwise LGBTQ+.
He was in the closet until his senior year of college.
The phrase implies secrecy born of fear—of rejection, discrimination, or social consequences.
To come out of the closet, or simply come out, is to reveal this hidden identity.
- coming outRevealing one's identity
- coming out storyAccount of revealing identity
- open secretKnown fact nobody admits
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- concealedMade invisible deliberately
covert · shame · authenticity · born this way · fear · courage · passing · liberation · true self · skeleton · masked · prejudice · beard · double life · societal norms · safe space · self-expression · vulnerability
in the closetout
Not present here
out and proud · visible · out and about · uncloseted · declared
in the closetopen
Not closed
out in the open · transparent · honest · forthcoming · candid