How to React when Your Best Friend Says He's Gay

He's your best friend, your brother, your outlet and the one you enjoy spending time with the most. You feel like you'll be best buds for the rest of your lives but then one day he drops a bombshell on you that may possibly change your relationship. He tells you that he is gay. You are unsure of how you should respond. You don't know if you should run off and say eeeeel or if you should immediately shut him out and end your friendship. Hopefully none of the above would be your response because being gay isn't a contagious life threatening disease it's a way of life. If you value the friendship that you have with your friend then there is no reason why your friendship has to end. If you choose to remain friends there are some things that you may want to consider doing to help the friendship run smoothly from herein and these things are mentioned below.

1. Avoid being too passive when he tells you. Don't just stand there and say oh, it's okay. It is best to act a little surprised when he shares the news even if you are not surprised. It's okay to say in a surprised tone, "You are?" You want to show interest in this new revelation. You might have already known that he was gay but you should pretend that you did not know.

2. Embrace him and let him know that you are still friends. It is important that he hears this assurance that you are still friends. Despite there being new laws passed on gay marriages in certain states and that celebrities are coming out it is still difficult to be a gay individual. Gay people still face discrimination and get threatened by others so it is very important that they have friends and people to support them. So don't be afraid to embrace him and let him know that you are still his friend.

3. Discover with him and learn more about the LGBT community. The LGBT community is an extensive one. There is much to learn. You may find that you like some aspects of it. Individuals from this community are generally very warm accepting and supportive and may even embrace you as a supporter of your gay friend. If your friend has just came out to you there is probably a lot that he does not know so, look into programs for LGBT individuals to see if there are any events or information specials that you both can attend.

4. Support him and be there when it's time for him to come out to his family members and other friends. If you were the first one he told then he obviously values you as a person and as a friend so be there for him when he breaks the news. Be prepared for the possibility of him getting shunned by his parents. If you have room in your home to accept him then think about doing so.

5. Be sure to spend time together. You don't necessarily have to change everything that you used to do together. Hang out together and find some new activities to engage in.

6. Don't dodge him. Dodging him might be your initial reaction because of the heaviness of the news. You should spend the same amount of time together. If you used to hang out three times a week don't all of a sudden cut it down to once a week. This will offend your friend and leave him to feel as though you don't want to be around him and your relationship might become strained.

7. Do tell him how you feel. You need to be honest. Honesty is important in any relationship. If you now feel uncomfortable about dressing around him let him know. You two can find ways to accommodate each other's feelings.

8. Keep it a secret. Remember that your friend trusts you so need to keep your lips sealed until he is ready to let others know. You should not speak of this situation to anyone until your friend does so first. One little slip can open up Pandora's Box.