Giving hints to your parents that you are gay
Familiarize yourself with the supportive referral agencies and counselors in your denomination and area. 1. You can help by:. We also urge them toward things we would do or use because those are comfortable to us and well known. Often they are in the middle of adolescence when their self-image is rapidly changing.
First reactions are unpredictable. To come out, I hung up a Pride painting I made in my room, waited for my parents to ask about it, and then used that question to come out. Be guided by the wishes of the person who confided in you. However big this difference may seem to you, the larger person, the child you love, is still there.
Coming out is scary. Based on your previous responses, he or she decided you can be trusted, but there is still fear of rejection, ridicule, and abuse. Sexual orientation describes romantic, emotional or sexual feelings toward others. Be open and patient. This guide for young adults, whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or another orientation, can help ease the process.
You can give clues as to your sexual orientation by dropping verbal clues and by giving visual hints. Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth feel alone, afraid, and ashamed because of religious, societal, and familial pressures to be heterosexual. While many youth are aware of their sexual orientation and gender identity even before early adolescence, this awareness takes years to fully integrate.
LGBTQ youth receive so many messages that their orientation or gender identity is sinful, they may be confused or even attempt to deny their sexuality. Respect confidentiality. There are many websites and online resources listed in our Resources section as well. Remember, teen years are often a time for experiments in appearance, activities, and interests.
They only just found out so remember. Despite modern trends, most of us are products of a gender rigid society. If you want to subtly hint, you could hang up a small pride flag in your room, and then wait for them to notice it. People do not choose to be heterosexual or homosexual, they simply are.
This is about self-perception. We often urge young people into behavior, clothing, or experiences that are familiar to us. When someone shares their gender identity or sexual orientation with you, you have received a confidence which must be respected. You might be ready to drop hints that you are LGBTQ+.
When coming out to your parents whether they suspect anything or not, this is the first time they are hearing this news. The best clues for how to help will come from your loved one. They have trusted you with the most personal and risky information they can share and they are hoping you will still love them.
Feeling pressured to come out to your parents? Appreciate when a young person comes out to you. LGBTQ helplines and support groups can connect you with experienced people and organizations. This is about attraction to another person. Try to inform yourself, read, seek reliable sources and talk with your loved one about their experience and point of view.
Here are 9 tips to help you get there: Everything that you need to think about when you are coming out. Your words and example will send the message that offensive remarks will not be tolerated, and that you are affirming of LGBTQ people and their families. If you are heterosexual and comfortable, you may not fully understand what it means to be different in ways LGBTQ individuals experience.
You can assist by listening with care to their feelings and concerns, offering a supportive and non-judgmental presence, and remembering they are equally valuable to the world. When someone comes out to you, your primary task is to respect their courage and honesty, thank them for trusting you, and continue caring for them.
Breaching this trust can be emotionally and physically damaging. You have had months or even years to come to a place of acceptance and being ready to share it. Maybe you're trying to figure out whether or not you are ready to come out, or maybe you want to let someone know that you are interested in them romantically.
That person is still there and cares enough about you to be deeply honest about themselves.