When I Came Out

When I came out, my dad said, “You always were a weird little kid.” We laughed, cried, and hugged.

When I came out, my mom wanted to know who had molested me because that is how she thinks people “become” gay. She refuses to believe that I have never been sexually victimized.

When I came out, I was sure my conservative Christian parents would disown me. My mom had a few questions, and it was a non-issue. My dad’s emailed response was “I hope you’re as good for her as she seems to be for you.” We will celebrate 8 years together this year.

When I came out to my mother, she listed single men she knew and asked me to use my gaydar on them.

When I came out, my Dad cried, “I knew it!” and punched the air. I looked on in astonishment as my Mom laughed and then said, “Seriously, though. He called it when you were in high school.”

When I came out to my parents, I was in tears and afraid. My mom held my hand, smiled, and said, “We already knew. We love you!” Now she calls my wife her favorite daughter-in-law. We are so lucky and so loved.

When I came out my mother disowned me and I was on the streets at 14. I’ve taken care of myself and am doing well at 42. My mother has lost out on knowing what a good man her son became.

When I came out to my grandparents, my grandmother asked in an even, concerned tone, “Why do you think you are gay?” My grandfather answered for me, “He likes boys, what else does he need to know?” They’ve been extremely supportive the whole time, and quite like my partner of 7 years.

When I came out to my high school friend I was drunk and tried to make out with him. He asked, “Are you gay?” I said yes, and he was totally fine with it and gave me a hug…but he still wouldn’t let me make out with him.

When I came out to my mom, it was on my 19th birthday in my dorm room. She and my sister and her toddler son surprised me, saw some gay content around the room, and so it began. Not to be upstaged, my sister then confessed she’d had a threesome with a girl, and my mom contemplated her own possible same-sex desires, while my two-year old nephew tottered around our feet. All in all, it went really well. Except that I had to do it all over again six months later: mom was so high she hadn’t realized that I was telling her I was gay.