Coming Out to Friends
This can almost be trickier than coming out to the family, because a family member can't just drop you like a hot potato if they disagree with your choices. A friend can, although one could argue that someone who does so wasn’t really that good of a friend in the first place. However, if your friends have very different religious viewpoints from you, understand that it could happen.
Once you've come out to your family, you can come out to your friends gradually. You might want to start by wearing a piece of religious jewelry and seeing who notices it. When they ask what it is, you can explain, "This is a symbol of my faith, and it means [whatever]." For teens in particular, this is a much easier method than standing up on the lunchroom table and yelling, "Hey, everyone, listen up, I'm Wiccan now!!" I'd also recommend not taking big books on Paganism and magic to school with you -- there's a time and a place for reading about Wicca, but school isn't it.
You may find that some of your friends are confused by this choice you've made. They may feel hurt that you haven't talked to them about it before, or even a little betrayed that you couldn’t confide in them. The best thing you can do is reassure them that you're telling them now, because you do value their friendship. If you have a friend who is particularly religious -- or one you've met in a religious context, such as a church youth group -- this could be even more awkward. Be sure you answer any questions they have, and make sure they understand that just because you're no longer part of their religion doesn’t mean you no longer want to be friends. If you're really lucky, eventually they'll come around and be happy that you're happy.
The great thing about really good friends is that they've probably already figured it out, and were just waiting for you to speak up. If they know you well enough, chances are good that you're not really coming out to them, but simply confirming what they already suspected.
Coming Out at Work
While you are certainly protected against religious discrimination at work thanks to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the fact is that some people may experience some retaliation if they come out at work. It's going to depend on where you work, what sort of people you work with, and whether or not there's anyone who'd like to see you fired.
That having been said, the workplace is not really an appropriate place for discussions on religion. Your spirituality is private and personal, and while there's nothing wrong with wearing a crystal on a chain around your neck, I'd probably draw the line at having a giant pentacle hanging over your desk. There's very little benefit to actually coming out at work.
Understand that if you've come out to friends and family, there's a possibility that someone at work will find out anyway. If that happens, and you are pressured into discussing your spirituality at work or if you are harassed in any way, talk to a supervisor. You may also want to look into retaining an attorney.
The Bottom Line
Bear in mind that there may be people in your life who are not going to be happy with your choice. You can't change their minds; only they can do that. The best you can do is ask for tolerance, or at the very least, a lack of a hostile environment. Don't waste your energy protesting against someone who's convinced you've made a wrong decision. Instead, show them by your actions and deeds that your choice is the right one for you.
Some people may come up to you and say, "Hey, I hear you're a Wiccan. What the heck is that, anyway?"
If that happens, you should have an answer. Tell them what you believe, something like, "A Wiccan is someone who honors both a god and a goddess, who reveres and honors the sacredness of nature, who accepts personal responsibilities for their own actions, and who tries to live a life of balance and harmony." If you can give them a clear, concise answer (notice that there's nothing in there about what Wicca isn't) that's usually good enough for most people. At the very least, it will give them something to think about.
Ultimately you're the only one who can decide how to come out. You can wear a big shirt that says "Yes, I'm a Witch, Deal With It!" or you can gradually leave hints for people who are astute enough to spot them. You might leave books or statuary lying around where your parents can see them, or you may choose to wear Pagan jewelry where everyone can see it.
Remember that for some people, you may be the only Pagan or Wiccan they've ever met. If they have questions, answer them honestly and truthfully. Be the best person you can be, and perhaps you will be able to pave a path for the next Pagan in their life who is considering coming out of the broom closet.
