@Nala31 Well being bi you’re half ok with your parents. Sorry, bad humor. Do you have to tell them?
@UnexpectedTomatoe
i don’t have to tell them but I’m planning on asking out my friend and I’d rather just tell them before I get a girlfriend
@Nala31 mmm what’s the worst that could happen?
@Nala31
Hello Nala, as you are a teen, I know there can be additional considerations when coming out to one's family, especially if they are likely to be upset and potentially not accept you for who you are.
Typically my first question and concern is about how to maintain your safety and wellbeing if and when you decide to come out. This can mean truly exploring what you may do in the worst case scenario. For example, I know many young LGBTQ+ teens who have been kicked out of their homes. While I would hope that would never happen, the reality is that it can so having a plan for if that were to happen can be important. I like to say when coming out, the range of outcomes is so diverse and some of them so difficult, that being prepared for the worst even while hoping for the best may be essential.
As for what to say or how to say it, that's entirely up to you! Some people will try to ease their family or friends into the conversation, by talking about the topic more before coming out themselves. This can also be a way of testing the waters before coming out to get as sense of the worst case scenario. I've known other people to simply introduce their family to their partner sort of saying it without saying it. But that sort of surprise can sometimes make a difficult situation worse.
So, at the end of the day you may want to consider these questions:
- What do you want to do?
- If you decide to come out, how do you want to approach it? What do you want to say?
- What would be the worst possible outcome?
- Lastly how will you keep yourself safe if it goes poorly?
Ultimately I hope you are able to come out and find acceptance from your family.
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
