Coming Out Stories

Story 10

I did it!!! First, I told my mom. I was just so frightened but I finally found the right opportunity. We were outside and she was checking out her texts. As soon as I found the time and the right mood when she finished checking, I told her. She said she didn't suspect anything which surprised me a bit but I did tell her. She was sooooooooo cool about it! She's very accepting of gay people, which I figured, and my being her daughter makes no difference to her at all. I asked her after knowing she was accepting if being her child made a difference as a parent and she said not at all. We talked about the gay people we knew and how accepting homosexuality has become in the last years, she asked me if there was someone, if I knew anyone who was gay, how long I knew etc.... I was just completely honest and answered her questions. Then we went inside and I decided to tell my dad. I asked my mom to be there when I tell him for support. Same reaction! He was really, really cool about it. I thought he'd take it harder as opposed to my mom but they were equally supportive. He also asked me questions and just said whatever I wanted to do with my life was fine and I didn't need their permission because I'm an adult and old enough to know how to take care of myself. I was worried he'd make a big deal out of prejudice, my safety and all of that but he never mentioned any concerns at all. He was just cool about it and wanted to know if anyone else in the family knew and if I was planning to tell them. I decided to tell my sister (which I haven't done yet) and they believe she would be ok with it, despite her going to church and they know that gay people go to her church. Then I told them I didn't know who else I might tell but wanted to go through the process slowly and just start with my parents and sister (the 3 people in the family I'm closest to) then go from there. They said it's just my business and I don't have to tell everyone if I didn't want to. Personally, I know many gay people like to go out and announce it and make it well known to everyone but for me, my sexuality is my business and those close to me so I'm not going to go out in public and announce it. Of course, if they ask, I'm not going to lie to them and if they have a problem with it, then screw them. I thought they'd be concerned about what others thought if they knew about me but they didn't. They know how well accepting this is nowadays. Once I was done, my dad said, "it's easy to come out!" Well maybe for some people but in this case, it was easy. My parents just made it really easy and I am so relieved about it. So let me tell you.... it's more accepting now and it's getting a bit easier. I think it's actually easier than most people think but you have to know the people you come out to before you do it. Anyway, I'm so happy and relieved right now that I finally got the courage to do it. I have anxiety issues and I think this is a new beginning for me. If I can do this, then I can be more confident in just about everything else in life without being afraid. So... if you want to come out, just do it! Unless you really do not know the person, coming out is actually easier than it seems. It really is. Oh, and it's not a bad idea to "test the water" first. You know, talk about GLBT stuff, ask how they feel about it, ask if they knew someone was gay would they be ok with it etc... That's what I did.

I cannot find the right words to describe how things are now ...