OUT to family Be ready to teach.
Maybe not immediately, but you could always leave behind educational information.
Pick a good time and place
where you won’t be interrupted when you are ready to talk.
Start Here
Be armed with the correct information about LGB issues. It will help you in the conversations about your sexual orientation with your family.
Acknowledge
that there will always be people who will never accept it, no matter what is said or done.
Have an escape plan;
Don’t expect them to adjust right away.
Be prepared to give them time, and space to think about it. They may not want to speak to you for a short time.
Explain why you are coming out.
Think of a place with a close friend or a relative you can go to if your safety is of concern.
Explain that you love them. You do not want to hide something so important from them. Help them understand the burden of being closeted.
Be ready to answer a plethora of questions.
Have a supportive shoulder.
Scoot your eyes over the FAQ section. We have prepared some questions that could come your way.
Things may not be very smooth. Consider coming out to a friend first and brainstorm some options. The friend can be a source of emotional support.
Think about your reasons.
Divide and conquer.
Be sure that you are ready to come out rather than feel pressurised to come out.
Tell one person at a time. Consider who should be the first person.
Their first reaction might not be how they actually feel. Don’t take the offensive things said to heart.
Don’t come out in an argument or to hurt someone! This will make the process more difficult.
Test the waters.
Find out how they feel about LGBT people. It may give you an idea on how accepting they will be.
Start with the most accepting person.
You do not have to tell everyone. Who do you think will be most accepting? Siblings, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Mom, Dad?