Should Coming Out To Parents Take Preparation?

Every gay person will face the option of coming out to parents at some stage during their lives. This can be a very emotional decision and as a gay person you should prepare yourself for this.

Before you sit your parents down for the big talk, make sure about your feelings. Young people may still be confused about their feelings and coming out to early can be disastrous. Rather talk to your parents about what you are feeling and ask for their support at this stage.

But if you are sure of your choice, have an open and frank discussion about it rather sooner than later in your life. This will give you the freedom to be totally yourself at home as you come out. Choose your timing well and rather wait until you can share this information at a time when everybody concerned is in a relaxed mindset.

Try and talk to your parents on your own, even if your lover wants to be there as well. This will give them the opportunity to speak freely about what they feel and ask you the questions that may bother them. Having a lover present often leads to closed up conversations that may even turn towards your parents blaming the other person.

Do not expect your parents to shrug and carry on with their lives. You will find in most cases that they will tell you that they knew all along, but wanted you to tell them yourself. Expect emotional moments as they come to grips with this revelation.

Answer all their questions as truthful as you can. They will probably fear for your health as a gay lifestyle and HIV still gets connected. Assure your parents that you are a responsible adult that knows all there is to know about safe sex.

Remember that no church or religion may banish you because of who you are and should this be part of your coming out, treat the subject with care but do not get thrashed about this, God loves every person he made.

Your parents may not be comfortable seeing you with a lover, so respect their whishes and never push the issue. In time they will relax and see how happy you are. Before you know it they will invite your better half over.

Have lots of compassion and patience for all your family members as they process this information. In a short while they will open up and warm up to you again. Blood is thicker than water.