How did you come out to your parents?
When I came out to my parents I was 12. I have always been able to say things better in a note or letter so after having crushes on a couple of girls since 2nd grade I decided to come out. In the letter I wrote about how I was afraid to tell them and I told them who I liked. If I could go back in time I would have told them in person. The letter left them confused but it allowed me to say something I was afraid to speak about.
What did you say?
My father always made offensive jokes about people who he thought were different in any way. When I handed my mom the note he wanted to see it too. My mom didn't know what to think but because she stayed silent about the matter. My dad decided to take matters into his own hands. He wouldn't let me go over to another girl's house and he made gay jokes to me in person. His side of the family looks at me as a freak and they continue to pick on me but my mom loves me for who I am. She accepts me and my girlfriend and I get support from her family as well. I still feel like I have to prove myself since some family members on her side still think I will change but I am very glad they accept me. It's hard to come out and sometimes it's hard to be yourself as a lesbian. I still face conflicts with myself and my dad's side because I was teased so much by my family but I have to say it was worth it. After coming out I felt a lot better and more relieved.
Advice
- Me and my dad still fight and his family still says offensive things. My mom is great and I am so glad to have her in my life as a mother. She is always there for me and I even talk to her about my relationships.
- I would tell people to just be honest and they shouldn't allow anyone to say or do negative things towards them. Even if it happens to be from your family.
- The one thing I said that really made my mom understand was "A gay relationship is still a relationship. The love and happiness is still there. Every person deserves an equal amount of respect."
