coming out / outing
Loading your saved state.
coming out
The voluntary disclosure of one’s own sexual orientation or gender identity, which had previously been kept private.
Sein Outing als homosexuell wurde von seiner Familie und seinen Freunden positiv aufgenommen.
His coming out as gay was received positively by his family and friends.
outing
The disclosure of another person’s sexual orientation or gender identity against their will.
Das unfreiwillige Outing des Schauspielers durch die Boulevardpresse löste eine Welle der Empörung aus.
The actor’s involuntary outing by the tabloid press triggered a wave of outrage.
admission
In a broader sense, the public admission of a previously hidden trait, preference, or fact that has nothing to do with sexual orientation.
Ihr Outing als heimlicher Fan von Volksmusik überraschte ihren gesamten Freundeskreis.
Her admission that she was a secret fan of folk music surprised her entire circle of friends.
In German, 'das Outing' (coming out/outing) refers to making a secret known, usually someone’s sexual orientation. It does not mean an excursion or trip like the English word 'outing'.
Das Outing des Politikers sorgte für viele Schlagzeilen.
The politician’s coming out caused many headlines.
'Outing' is a word from English, an Anglicism, derived from the verb 'to out someone'. It has become established as a noun in the German language.
Viele öffentliche Personen sprechen heute offen über ihr Outing.
Many public figures today speak openly about their coming out.
The word is very often used with the verb 'haben' (to have), often in the combination 'sein/ihr Outing haben' (to have his/her coming out).
Der junge Sportler hatte sein Outing in einem Interview mit einer großen Zeitung.
The young athlete had his coming out in an interview with a major newspaper.
Whether an 'Outing' is voluntary (meaning 1) or involuntary (meaning 2) can be recognized from the context. If a person acts themselves, it is voluntary. If it happens 'durch' (through/by) someone else, it is involuntary.
Ihr Outing vor der versammelten Mannschaft erforderte viel Mut.
Her coming out in front of the whole team required a lot of courage.
In the figurative meaning, the structure 'Outing als ...' (admission as ...) is often used to confess a surprising or funny preference. This is a rather casual, colloquial use.
Sein Outing als leidenschaftlicher Gärtner amüsierte seine Kollegen.
His admission that he was a passionate gardener amused his colleagues.
