When I Came Out

When I came out, I told my sister first (she spotted a hickey…). We’d always been close, but through the tears and hugs, I knew we’d strengthened our bond immeasurably. She helped me through telling my parents and friends. Family can be the absolute best!

When I came out, my brother said, “I’ll always love you whether you’re my brother OR my sister.”

When I came out my parents had asked me if I was gay. I told them, “Yes, I’m attracted to men.” They asked me not to dress provocatively(!?) and not to tell my little brother “because he’s in the middle of exams.” I was kind of confused by the whole conversation so I just said, “Okay, no problem.”

When I came out to my mom, she told me that it’s a phase and that she used to get horny for girls when she was my age…

When I came out, my mom was pissed that it took me so long. I never told my dad or brothers because I was too embarrassed. My mom did. My youngest brother responded with: “Ya, and?” We still don’t talk much about it, but it’s nice to know they care.

When I came out to my gay dad he said, “Are you doing this to try and relate to me?”

When I came out as bi, my lovely mum was great. My lovely dad said: “Young people do such weird things these days, you have to be prepared for anything!” My girlfriend’s mum kicked her out of the house when she caught us together aged 16. But we stayed together with the support of my parents for two years anyway, and her mum got a bit saner over time.

When I came out to my twin brother at 40 years old, he said, “I’ve never told you this before, and I never will again, but you’re the only person that has ever really mattered to me, and you always will be…” Then we went and got falling-down drunk together!

When I came out at 16 my mom said, “That’s wonderful!” but added that I needed to be more careful about leaving porn all over the family computer.

When I came out my Father said, “You can be gay or part of the family, but not both.” Thirty years later, he still does not accept me, but most other members, my Mother especially, accept and love my partner and me. That is good enough for me. Too bad for him!