Question: How Do I Come out to My Mother and My Friends?
Hello, my name Is Sarah. I don’t have anyone to talk to about this so I went surfing the net for help. I just turned twelve years old. The problem is, I’m bi. And I’m scared about telling my mom about it. And if I tell my friends they will probably not like me anymore and tell everyone. Can you please tell me what I should do?
Answer: Sarah
First of all try to stop worrying. You don't have to come out to your mom or your friends right away. You may keep this secret inside you until you feel the time is right. It is really best to come out after you are totally comfortable with it yourself.
I will not judge you because of your age, because I know that many people do come out at 12 and even younger. But some of the adults in your life may question how you can know something at such a young age. You should be prepared for that if you do decide to come out.
If you have one good friend you trust, then you can come out to her or him. But don't think you need to let everyone know right away. The best advice is to wait until you are fully comfortable with it yourself until you tell anyone.
In the meantime, try to find a support group for coming out youth, a gay/straight alliance at your school or a Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians meeting. Or, visit the Lesbian Life forum to chat with other teens going through the same thing. (Or adults who have successfully dealt with these issues.)
- In the meantime, here is some advice on how to come out to your parents.
- And here's how to talk to your friends about gay and lesbian issues.
- Read other bisexual and lesbian coming out stories.
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