Here for You

Coming Out to Parents

The hardest part of this conversation may be the first sentence. What on earth do you say? Here are some possibilities.

1. "I've been keeping something hidden from you for some time and it's been making me feel like I'm not as close to you guys as I'd like to be. I'd like to be able to share this with you so we can become closer again."
2. "I wish I knew the right way to begin this conversation, but I'll do my best. I've learned something important about myself and I'd really like to talk about it with you. What do you think?"
3. [if you think your parents already suspect you're gay] "Mom, Dad, have you ever wondered if I'm gay?"

Then calmly get to the point. Tell your parents you've discovered you're gay and would like to talk about what this means for all of you.

You may be one of the lucky ones who meet with immediate acceptance. But, more likely, your parents will take the news with at least some mixed feelings. They may try to reassure you that they still love you, but you can't miss noticing their disappointment, confusion, or even shock.

Your best bet is to give them some time and some space. Tell them you understand that the news may be upsetting, and that you hope that, over time, you can talk more and that they will eventually come to accept it.