Where did the phrase 'come out of the closet' come from?

Overview

• The phrase "come out of the closet" is commonly used to describe the act of revealing one's homosexuality.
• While it feels like a natural expression today, its connection to homosexuality is relatively recent.

Historical Context

• Pre-1960s Usage: The metaphor of the "closet" was not historically associated with the gay community.

  • There is no record of its use in gay novels, diaries, or letters before the 1960s.

• "Coming Out" Before the Closet: The phrase "coming out" was used within the gay community but had a different meaning prior to the 1960s.

  • Originally referred to being introduced to the gay community at events like drag balls, similar to debutante balls in mainstream culture.
  • It was about joining a community rather than revealing a secret.

Evolution of the Phrase

• Drag Balls: Public events where gay men were introduced in a formal setting.

  • These events were covered in newspapers and were considered a societal entry, not necessarily a secret.

• Metaphors of Secrecy:

  • Alternatives to "closet" included "wearing a mask" or "letting one's hair down."
  • These phrases indicated hiding or revealing one's sexual orientation.

Adoption of the Closet Metaphor

• Emergence in the 1960s: The closet metaphor began to take hold in the gay community around this time.

  • Possible origins are linked to the notion of homosexuality being a "skeleton in the closet."
  • The phrase may have been influenced by outsiders' views on homosexuality as a hidden secret.

• Combination of Metaphors:

  • Combines the idea of joining a supportive community (debutante metaphor) and revealing a hidden secret (closet metaphor).

Current Understanding

• Broader Community: Now refers to openly acknowledging one's sexual orientation within the broader society.
• No Longer Shocking: While "coming out" is still widely used, it does not necessarily imply secrecy today.

Conclusion

• The phrase "coming out of the closet" reflects a historical evolution from social introduction within a community to a metaphor for revealing one's hidden identity to the broader world.
• It highlights changes in societal perceptions of homosexuality from pre-war to modern times.