More than a third (38%) of gay and bisexual men in the UK have had to come out to family, friends, colleagues and other peers more than 10 times according to new research by Gaydar.co.uk.

The research, which polled more than 5,300 guys across the UK, highlights the issue of gay men having to reveal their sexuality each time they decide to tell another friend or family member, start a new job or move to a new area.

Simon Johnson, product manager at Gaydar.co.uk, comments: “It’s fascinating to see how many gay guys have to reveal their sexuality on numerous occasions, rather than one ‘spotlight’ moment as many may imagine. Coming out isn’t just something that happens once – so many gay and bisexual men have to do it over and over again – every time they meet new people or start a new job – it can be daunting.”

Despite some guys choosing to keep their sexuality private, a majority (80%) agreed that it is easier to come out today than ten years ago. In terms of the age that gay or bisexual guys are revealing their sexuality, the 18-24 age group proved to be the most popular, with 42% of guys coming out at this stage of their lives. More than a fifth (23%) of guys came out before they were 18, and just 19% came out in their 30s.

UK National Coming Out Day is on 12 October.