coming-out

[ kuhm-ing-out ]

/ ˈkʌm ɪŋˈaʊt /

a debut into society, especially a formal debut by a debutante.

an acknowledgment of one's homosexuality, either to oneself or publicly.

RELATED WORDS

1805–15; noun use of verb phrase come out; see -ing¹

It was a coming-out story of sorts told with self-effacing un-sentimentality.
The Best Columns of 2014|John Avlon, Errol Louis|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Jason Collins, Sports Illustrated The coming-out story that rocked basketball—and the world.
The Week’s Best Longreads for May 3, 2013|David Sessions|May 4, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And I cant stay very long, only four months, because my coming-out party is in October.
Short Stories of the New America|Various
The Desmonds were giving the dance as a coming-out for one of their own daughters, and their house was en fête.
A Popular Schoolgirl|Angela Brazil

Sophy thought that perhaps she had better arrange a coming-out ball for Belinda before the girl appeared in society.
Shadows of Flames|Amelie Rives
I—I suppose I just came to peep in on you like I did to the coming-out party.
The Heart's Kingdom|Maria Thompson Daviess
I want you to stand up with me, and receive, till the dancing begins, as if it were your coming-out.
Ragged Lady, Complete|William Dean Howells