When I Came Out

When I came out, my parents were horrified and threatened to disown me if I didn’t get reorientation counseling. 12 years later, my mother called me up to say she fully supports my decision and is happy with having a gay son. It was worth the wait.

When I came out, my brother told me he still loved me, but he was a Republican and wasn’t marching in any damn parades. Then he proceeded to ask me about the hot girls I hooked up with.

When I came out to my mom, she was more excited to meet my girlfriend than anything.

When I came out, it was first in an email to my best friend while she was in the Peace Corps. Her response was surprised and upset. She thought while she was in a different country, she’d missed my coming out.

When I came out my best friend and I were both exhausted, in our sleeping bags, on her living room floor. I told her I had started dating a girl, and I was a lesbian. She rolled over, hugged me, and said, “I want to hear all about her in the morning.”

When I came out, I’d just lost my partner to AIDS. My family was sorry/disappointed they never got to meet Jim. I got my family back when I lost him. Wish I could have had both.

When I came out to my high school best friend, he said: “I knew it all the time. I thought, it’s gonna take forever. I respect you for who you are no matter what.”

When I came out, my family fell silent and went into complete shock. My mom didn’t believe me and still doesn’t. My dad told me to get counseling. But a few weeks later we talk like normal. And they still love me, we just don’t talk about it anymore.

When I came out to my mom she didn’t speak to me for about 9 months, but very slowly she’s started coming around to being ok. That was 6 years ago. I’m getting married to my girlfriend in Iowa on the 29th, and there is never a day that gets happier than when I hear my mom talk about her soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

When I came out to my best friend, he said, “Well, about god damn time.” He knew long before me.