A multilevel cognitive model of coming out

The article explores coming out narratives, as its starting point employing a multilevelapproach to this phenomenon in line with a model proposed by Zoltan Kӧvecses (2017),applying image schemas, domains and frames, and metaphor scenarios. It describes howthese levels interact with each other to construe the metaphoric meaning at the levelof mental structures which motivate linguistic choices in coming out narratives concerningsexual orientation or gender identity. The analysis of the linguistic material reveals thathighly individualised coming out narratives are underpinned by less complex cognitivemechanisms.