How do you come out to your parents without making it awkward?

Answer 1

You come home with a person of the same sex clinging to your arm sorta and do things to start making them think you are without making it too obvious and then when they ask say yes, of course. BUT... It's going to be awkward. Put yourself in your parents' place for a moment and you'll see why. This is a question about sex, they may not like the answer, they don't want to embarrass you or make you worry that you "look gay" if you're not, and chances are a lot of what they think they know about homosexuality is wrong. You might want to contact PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) if there's a chapter in your area. They can help you -- and your parents -- deal with the situation. Another technique is to present them with a book. My favorite is 'Loving Someone Gay', by Don Clark. Ask them to read it first, before they say anything, or leave it on the table just before you leave for school, and be prepared for a pretty heavy discussion when you get home. (This is when you want someone from PFLAG or another trusted adult along for support.) There are at least 3 possible reactions: * "We knew, we were just waiting for you to be ready to talk about it. You're our child, and we love you." This is the one we all hope for. * "Don't worry. We'll take you to a doctor (or the minister some other authority figure)." Now, you have to convince them that you're not "sick", that homosexuality isn't a disease, that you don't need "curing". You'll want some books and some expert assistance here. Try to get them to agree that they'll talk to PFLAG or some other responsible counseling resource. (Anyone who tells your parents they can "cure you" is bogus. Don't let them fall for that.) * "Get out of this house! You're not our child any more!" and so on. If there is ANY chance of this happening, be sure you have somewhere to go, some responsible adult to help you through a very painful period. Or, if there's no one to help, consider not telling them until you're older. But find someone else to talk to in confidence. We all go through this one. It's probably the hardest part of coming out. Take it one step at a time, and trust your instincts.