Coming out

Florencia Aliberti


It seems paradoxically to previous practices, that many teenagers nowadays declare to their private environment that they are gay as a public action through YouTube. In most cases, the image they present in front of the webcam is that of a self-portrait in which they hold their mobile phone in a hands-free position to call their mother, and make this confession: "Mum, I am a homosexual, mum". Florencia Aliberti compiles these situations presenting them as a choral act from different screens synchronised and grouped in a single channel.

When marginality becomes a problem, individuals become people silenced by circumstances. Until the time comes to say enough is enough. Although, fortunately less and less in today's society, homosexuality remains a state of taboo and alienation. It is one of the most intense identity traits, gender, which conditions physical and psychological behaviour. To come out of this mutism and frustration, it is necessary to confess the situation to those close to you, to make it official. This is why the act of public declaration is a moment of great personal courage, especially in the eyes of those close to you.

Although, according to the video by Florencia Aliberti, it seems that nowadays, due to the capacity of digital media, the catharsis of "coming out" and confessing this decision to those close to you has to be supported or accompanied by a huge number of anonymous people who will watch this important decision on YouTube to consolidate it. They need this popular backing to feel that there is no turning back, supported by the energy that comes from looking imperturbably at the camera, at their possible executioners. They need an indirect confirmation, as well as an act of telephone publicity to their mother, that there is no turning back. The testimony of their action has been recorded and disseminated, with the potential to be redistributed, it will always be on the net. YouTube, among other functions and uses, has become a battleground for the redefinition and manifestation of one's own identity.

Technical datasheet

  • Title: Coming out
  • Direction: Florencia Aliberti
  • Production: Florencia Aliberti. 2015.
  • Duration: 00:04:15
  • Languages: English
  • Subtitles: Spanish
  • Original format: Quicktime
  • Formats: Betacam Digital - DVD
  • TV systems: PAL
  • License: Creative Commons