Coming Out Support Group
This community is dedicated to the challenges that gay men and lesbian women face, both between the partners in a relationship and from other influences (family, society, etc.). Find support and talk to others who may be facing the same challenges, and share your experience.
Hi everyone,
A lot of you know me, I have been a member for several months. It is time for me to actually introduce myself. Joe is actually one of my middle names, my real name is Steve. 42909 in my username is the date I came out to myself (April 29, 2009). I feel the need to say hello, first, as the most sincerest thank you to everyone who has helped me on this board and who has given me courage, and, second, because tonight, on my 22nd birthday, I told my parents I was gay.
They were shocked, and I was terrified. But my confidence (which you all have helped build up) kept me strong. Ultimately they are scared for me and what the world might do to me, but they are still proud of me and still love me.
Thank you all for everything,
Steve
PS- I'm still sticking around here because my journey isn't over. Oh yeah-- BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!
A lot of you know me, I have been a member for several months. It is time for me to actually introduce myself. Joe is actually one of my middle names, my real name is Steve. 42909 in my username is the date I came out to myself (April 29, 2009). I feel the need to say hello, first, as the most sincerest thank you to everyone who has helped me on this board and who has given me courage, and, second, because tonight, on my 22nd birthday, I told my parents I was gay.
They were shocked, and I was terrified. But my confidence (which you all have helped build up) kept me strong. Ultimately they are scared for me and what the world might do to me, but they are still proud of me and still love me.
Thank you all for everything,
Steve
PS- I'm still sticking around here because my journey isn't over. Oh yeah-- BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!!!
Your life lies before you. Seize it with all the passion and promise you're entitled. Again, major kudos!
I think most parents already know if their children are gay or not (no matter what the circumstances are). The question hovers over them, laced with fear or denial for some.
I think after being told a child is gay, they need some grieving time (denial, guilt, anger, reflection, etc), not for "death" of course, but accepting a new way of looking at their child. But it sounds like your parents have been very loving and accepting of the news, and that is a wonderful reaction... the way we hope it should be for everyone.
I'm very proud you made such a brave step young man!
Happy Birthday!