Introducing the Inviting In Concept
Coined by Sekneh Hammoud in 2007 in her paper “Azima ila Hayati—Inviting In as an Alternative to Coming Out”, the Inviting In framework shifts the focus from external validation to personal agency. Rather than feeling pressured to declare one’s identity publicly, Inviting In is about choosing who to share your story with, on your own terms, in a way that honours both cultural connections and personal safety.
This approach acknowledges that coming out is not always safe or desirable for everyone. Instead, it centres the individual’s right to control their own narrative—deciding when, how, and with whom they share their identity.
The Inviting In video series brings this concept to life, featuring the voices and lived experiences of CALD LGBTIQA+ individuals who share their journeys of navigating identity, family, faith, and support networks. This resource aims to provide mental health professionals, community workers, families, and individuals with a culturally safe framework for understanding and supporting diverse experiences.
