How Did Your Family/Friends React When You Came Out To Them And  Told Them You Love The Same SEX?
931166
I am not gay first off and the only reason why I am answering this question is because I am a mother who oldest daughter told me that she was gay,\nand I feel like I can tell you how I felt speaking from someone who is not really into that life style but have a child that I love with all my heart that is.....I hope what I say helps you to understand somewhat of how We the family feels at times (I am not speaking for all just myself for sure okay)\n\nAnyway, My daughter has always known how I feel about this life style, so she didn't want to tell me face to face, so she decided to tell me in a letter, when I first read it I had to read it over & over again because of course I thought it was a misprint or I was seeing things right? But it wasn't and I was reading it right, I was not mad like some people would think I was a little disappointed because of course there will not be a wedding, or the birth of grandchildren but, in saying all of that I love my baby girl no matter what, she decides to do with her adult life, it's not mines but, hers to do with as she please, but I do not have to be apart of it, and when I say that I mean I do not want her life style in my home, or durning holidays, things like that, I have two younger girls and I do not want it around them, because the way I feel is family needs a mother & father to complete it, this is how I feel period, but I will never turn my back on my child but, the life style I will not except around me...........I have nothing hatful to say or mean or nothing like that I just do not want it pushed apoun me inside my home is all, but she my daughter is always welcome to come over..................As I said I can not speak for all parents just myself and that is how I dealt with it, If she would have told me face to face I would have given her a big hug and kiss because she will always be the daughter I brought into this world and will love forever more.............................
499182
Well, it is a super personal thing.  For me, it was a huge deal with my family, and they were really unaccepting at first.  But aside from the family strife, which was a lot, I just did what I knew was right for me, and have remained true to myself (which is a totaly cliche, but for me it really worked.)  After having a lot of badness with my family, and then a long period of distance (during which I made tons of really close friends that have provided a lot of support and care, almost like parents) my family has come around, and just a few weeks ago they had dinner with my girlfriend's family, and were all supportive.  \n\nThe reality is, you should do what you think is the best thing for you.  Weigh in everything: even the risk of distancing yourself from family, but also the risk of stifling your feelings, not letting them out.  For me, it was just really difficult to not be who I am.  \n\nYour family loves you, and even something like being gay won't change that.  They might be against it, or have trouble dealing with it, but they won't stop loving you because of it.  \n\nPFLAG has an awesome web page with information and support stuff: http://www.pflag.org/Getting_Support-Coming_Out.coming_out.0.html\n\nGood luck!
532192
This is really a decision only you can make, no matter how much advice you receive from all of us.\n\nHaving said that, this is a little of my story to help you out.\n\nI am from a very strict Catholic family, my father was a cop, my brother is a security guard and at the time I was working in Federal Government Security as well. Basically Law Enforcement down the line. All very strict, uptight and all that cr@p. Lots of derogatory talk about gays and lots of gay jokes all the time and all the while I was sinking further and further into my dark little closet.\n\nOn the outside I was this wonderful, cheery, jolly bloke, the life of every party - on the inside I just wanted to take my service revolver and blow my head off to stop the pain.\n\nI ended up "coming out" and do you know what happened? Nothing! Big anti-climax! The world didn't stop turning, I didn't get dis-owned, Mum gave me a hug and a kiss and told me she would always love me no matter what. Dad gave me a hug but had a tear in his eye, and my brother, who I thought would just punch my lights out, gave me the biggest hug and said I never thought you would have the balls to do it. When I asked him what he meant he told me that he had always known he just never said anything.\n\nIt is your decision to come out, only you know when, where, how and to whom first. Good luck and God Bless.
1091432
I think everyone is a little bit gay... and everyone's curious, even if they don't admit it.  I say do what you want to do.  No regrets.  As long as you don't hurt anyone else in the process, go get yours.
326244
My son came out to me when he was 17.....I had known he was gay long before that though, probably even before he did.  Your parents will love you regardless.  Even my parents, who used to say things like "All gays should be shot", have now changed their views radically and say "to each their own".  Don't be afraid, parents just want you to be happy, no matter what.
872441
Talking it over with close friends.  Eventually, a person accepts his or her sexual orientation, self-identifies with others like that, and notes who (or what) he or she is to a close friend.  I think the fact that this one longterm friend had actually come out to me some months beforehand also helped. It's a safety issue, I think. It was like a weight being lifted from my shoulders when I came out to him and said, "this" is what am.  It also answered questions regarding stress throughout my life.
899254
I had a friend in high school who had a crush on me on me, but I didn't want anyone to think of me differently.  So, when she asked me out, I refused.  I wasn't even sure if I was 100% gay at the time or ready to come out for that matter.  So, I told her I wasn't gay.  \n\nI often wonder what might have happened if I simply gave in to my heart instead of my head.  Now, she lives in another state and is married.  I will probably never see her again in my lifetime, and I am content with that.  We both have gone on our own paths.\n\nBlessings
570741
Sounds like you just did come out of the closet. By posting your question, you announced to the whole world that you're gay. :)
958931
Its happened to before, and ive done it before. When I did it it was a time in my life when I hadnt accepted my homosexuality, and considered my self Bi but to my freinds i was straigh, Did it to protect my identity. After i came out, and guys try that shiznit, it was easy to see through. Or they are cheating and if you saw them out elswhere and called them by the wrong name they gave you they can play that off as youve got the wrong person kind of thing.
157675
You should tell them as soon as your ready to handle their reaction. Good Luck be strong remember its your life :)
823125
Well when my Daughter told me that she was gay, well actually I guessed,  I said OK.\n\nI don't talk about my sex life and she doesn't talk about hers, so nothing has actually changed in our lives.   Even her Redneck brother is OK with it.  (But he does have loving, humorous, gay jokes)
702600
Since you say that mom would probably kick you out of the house, do you really need to tell her? Coming out does not have to be something that is done in a single week. You told your boyfriend, and that is what is important. You should tell people about your sexuality that you are sexually involved with. For your family, it is only when you are comfortable telling them and aren't in a position of being dependent on them. If you think your friends won't accept it, are they really your friends? If they don't accept you, find better friends who are more supportive.
1132901
Just be open and honest and with them and remember to be patient with them.  Even if they dont agree with you sexuality remember their still your parents and they still love you.  Here's a link to PFLAG's website, you can contact them through that and they're really goat providing support for you and your parents.\nhttp://www.pflag.org/
342639
I know this is a difficult time for you, but just tell them.  If he or she is truly your friend - they will accept you and love you as they already do.  If not, then they were never really your friend anyway and you are better off without them.\n\nComing out is one of the hardest and anguishing experiences anyone can go through.  I was rejected by ALL my childhood "friends", even the 2 I fooled around with during our "experimental" stages, one of which is also gay, but closeted.\n\nDo not despair!  You will make new friends.  People who will accept you for who and what you are - regardless of your sexuality, colour of your skin or religion.  \n\nThis is the 21st century and people just need to get over their phobias and prejudices.  Life is too short.  Live each day like it's your last.  Have fun and enjoy it.  Just remember to always treat and respect yourself, others and especially nature - the same exact way you want to be treated and respected and all will be well.  And don't forget - just LIVE, LIVE, LIVE!
628398
Well i wouldn't be ashamed of the guy that i love. It would be kinda hard for me to let them know that i love him, but they'll understand. it will just take some time to get used to it.
890160
I knew from about the age of six.\nThere was a boy in my class at school that I always wanted to sit next to, but it never happened, and it was years later that I realised I had a 'crush' on him.\nI came out to my family when I was 18, but it didn't come as a surprise to them. I'd never shown any interest in girls (sexually), and they respected me for my honesty.\nI know it is not always easy to 'come out', and I would say that you should leave it for a few years in case it is just a 'phase' you are going through.\nMany men get sexual urges, and when you are going through puberty, your hormones are all over the place and experimentation (hand-jobs) is rife.\nIf you are certain you are gay, then tell a few close friends and if they show resistance, it is they who have a problem, not you.\nI hope you will not bow down to intollerance and ignorance, and find the courage to say who you are.\nI had one bad experience when I came out, and the man who didn't want to know me anymore now lives with his boyfriend in London!\nAll I can say to you is, you know the people around you, and you know yourself.\nIf you think they will be supportive, then be honest.\nFrankly, I'd be honest anyway and let them love you the way you are.
1031429
I'm straight, but I love the story of how my best friend came out to me, if you'll listen. I was the first person she ever told. We went for a walk (for no "apparent" reason) and she had me sit down with her on an empty bench in the hotel near where we were living. She started talking, talking in circles, dropping hints and getting really upset. I was so worried about her. I wasn't sure what it was, but I knew it was something sexual. Was she raped? Was she pregnant? If she had been raped, I would break the guy's face, but she wasn't the type to get pregnant. Then it clicked in my head. I asked her if it was ok for me to guess what she was trying to tell me, and she nodded. I asked if she was trying to come out to me, and she didn't move. I asked again, and she nodded. I hugged her so tight! I told her how relieved I was, how I thought something bad had happened. She told me how she had been keeping it hidden for so long, and if she hadn't come out to me, she never would have. We're so close now, I go around calling her my sister. The one problem is that we both like the same type of girl, so if there's a nice bi girl we both like, there may be a discussion... ;P