How Can I Tell My Parents I'm Gay?

Here are eight ideas that may help you tell your parents that you're gay:

#1 - Melissa mentioned this idea on 'teenwire: Ask your parents thoughts about other peoples gay son or daughter. This will give you an idea how they may react.

#2 - Manchester Parents Group gives a few tips about what to say. Rather than just come straight out with it you can lighten the atmosphere. You've had years to get get used to being gay. So remember that your parents, even if they've had suspicions, will need time to get used to it themselves.

The website suggested you tell them that you've known you've been gay for years but been frightened to tell them. Let them know it's because you didn't want to hurt their feelings. This shows you care, creates empathy and shows your parents you understand how this may affect them.

#3 - Ramon Johnson says you should tell your family at a time when YOU'RE comfortable. There is no right time as it'll be different for everyone.

#4 - eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor says, talk to someone of similar age to your parents. This will let you know what things to say and what not to say and you'll get a little experience in how to word things. After all, when your parents grew up people viewed things differently and this stays with them. So talking to someone of a similar age first is a good idea.

#5 - The website wikiHow says try to find out who may be the most supportive family member. Approach them first and get them to help you 'come out' to the rest of your family. It's was also suggested when you speak to this family member that you just come out with it, plainly, simply and without apologising.

#6 - wikiHow also suggests you give your family time to accept you're gay. Remember, you've had years to come to terms with it, they haven't.

#7 - Another tip from the wikiHow website explained that often relatives try to ignore that you've told them you're gay. The tip is that you should just keep reminding them what you've already told them. Their comments could be something like, "When are you going to get a girlfriend or boyfriend?". Every time this happens just keep reminding them that you're gay.

#8 - Finally wikiHow said that you should let them know how you're happy as a gay person.

I hope you find these eight ideas helpful and I hope everything works out well for you.

Sources

Melissa, In Focus:, Talking to Parents About Sex, teenwire

Author unknown, How do I tell my parents?, Manchester Parents Group

Ramon Johnson, Coming Out Step-by-Step, About.com:Gay Life

eHow Holidays & Celebrations Editor, How to Tell Your Parents You're Gay, eHow

Several authors, How to Tell Your Family That You Are Gay, wikiHow