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How do I come out to my parents?

296 Answers
Last Updated: 06/21/2022 at 9:26pm
How do I come out to my parents?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Top Rated Answers
positiveWhisper24
- Expert in LGBTQ+ Issues
April 10th, 2015 9:26pm
First assess whether your parents are supportive of who you are. If they are the open minded awesome kind, just go for it - tell them! If they are not supportive, then: you need to ask yourself, are you dependent on them right now? If the answer is yes, it might be better to wait so you don't find yourself on the street tomorrow. If the answer is no, then ask yourself, are you afraid of a violent outburst? if the answer is yes, the phone or email or by a written letter. If the answer is no, then face to face is also fine. Once you have come out to your parents, give them some time. Give them a year to throw a tantrum and say homophobic things and be weirded out. But once a year is up, they have to accept who you are. Period. The end. There are lots of stories about creative ways to come out to your parents. But the truth is, just do whatever you feel comfortable. If it's hard for you to tell them, write them a letter. I've heard of people who baked a cake and frosted "Mom, Dad, I'm Gay" on it. It's completely up to you.
Tylerrx
April 2nd, 2017 12:02pm
Here's a quick run down and some tips! In general: You probably shouldn't come out around holidays or stressful family events. Be clear with the person you’re coming out to about who else you are out to so they don’t out you to other people accidentally. Specify what changes you want to make now, e.g. new name, new pronouns, etc. Specify, if it’s appropriate (e.g. when coming out to a parent or close friend), what changes you may want to make in the future, e.g. hormones, surgery, etc. Don’t feel obligated to share this information to anyone but people you are close with. Remind them that you’re still the same person you’ve always been. Be kind and patient with them if they are sad, confused, shocked, or scared. Don’t engage if they are hostile or refuse to even try to understand or accept you. Coming out in person: Plan what you’re going to say ahead of time. It will save you the difficulty of having to figure out how to phrase things when you’re nervous. Choose a time when the person is not busy and is in a good mood. Try to anticipate questions they might have and plan how you will respond. Writing a letter: This is a good method if you get very anxious coming out to people in person. Proofread and revise; try to have someone else read it if possible (you can post it (anonymously if necessary) on online support forums if you aren’t out to anyone). Give it to them and then give them space to read it, but still make sure you are still accessible. Coming out on social media: It’s often a good idea to tell close friends and relatives personally before coming out on social media A brief post explaining the changes that need to be made (e.g. name, pronouns, gendered terms like niece/nephew, etc.) should suffice. You can also just change your name on the account and wait for people to catch on Really, you can do anything you want. Coming out on social media is pretty flexible. If you have conservative people who follow/friend you on your account, be prepared for the possibility of rude comments. Feel free to block/unfriend them. Coming out with a powerpoint: Is a bit more of a formal way, but it works great for some people. Helps you organize your thoughts. You can add silly slide transitions if you want to be a bit less serious about it. If you’re nervous: Deep breaths. Positive thoughts. Consider how you will respond ahead of time if people react badly, but don’t dwell on it. Tell someone you’re already out to so they can provide moral support. Afterwards: Communicate frequently. Tell them when they do things that upset or hurt you. Ask them what you can do to make the change easier for them. As long as they’re trying, be patient. Adjusting to a new name, pronouns, and way of seeing someone takes time. Give gentle reminders when they slip up. Provide resources for them to be able to understand more. Be prepared for conflict. It can take a while for people to understand. Rely on your support system. Encourage the person/people you came out to to rely on their support system. Acknowledge that having a loved one come out can be difficult or scary, but discourage them from trying to make you deal with their fears and confusion. If possible, direct them to a local support group for family and friends of LGBTQ+ people.
DrowningInGalaxies
May 19th, 2016 2:53pm
Coming out to your parents is a very hard process. First of all, you should feel comfortable with yourself. Everything you feel is okay and should be respected, especially by your parents. By coming out , you share your personal feelings with somone and give them the possibility to understand and support you. If you consider taking this strong step, then I would recommend it at a moment where you and your parents both feel good. If you do not want to tell it, you can also write it down (a letter for example).
EmberT
June 2nd, 2015 6:55am
It would help if you know where they stand on lgbtq+ first, drop hints and ask them about gay celebrities or fictional characters. When you think it's time, tell them you need to talk about something and make them understand it's important, and then tell them. You could come out to both of your parents at once or come out to the more supporting parent first and then that parent can help you if the other person is unsupportive. Realize that if your parents are highly against LGBTQ+, this could lead to a lot of problems.
SarahJaneSmith
March 30th, 2016 7:14am
When I came out I just started talking about my crush to my mother and while she was guessing who it was I just said 'it's a girl' I came out to my mother about 3 weeks after coming out to my friends.
Sierra8D
April 3rd, 2016 6:58pm
Don't. I still haven't come out to any of my family as Bi-sexual. And that's because they are very judgemental. Don't. Just simply don't.
Anonymous
April 10th, 2016 6:06am
Let them know like the way you usually talk to them you shouldn't be scared to just let it out. It'll help that way
Potatofry
December 8th, 2017 5:54pm
There are several ways you can go about this. In my opinion the easiest way to do this is simply sit them down and talk to them. This will be especially important if they aren't very open minded about the community. You will need to gauge their reactions to the LGBT+ community in pop culture if you aren't sure about their stance on it. If you know they are supportive, you can come out in a number of fun and creative ways. Ease come out only when you feel absolutely safe and comfortable. All the best!
Anonymous
December 11th, 2015 4:25am
First, make sure you have friends or other people in your corner who you can lean on depending on the outcome. I don't think there is a best way to come out to your parents. Make sure that you feel ready, and then just be honest with them. It is usually best to do so while not in the middle of an argument or something like that. Try to be as honest as you can with them. If they aren't immediately supportive or understand, don't think that is permanent. Oftentimes, people just need time to process and think about things before they can fully embrace them. Just remember there is no perfect way to come out, so just do what feels right for you. Good luck!
SleepyDinosaur
December 8th, 2015 11:27am
First of all. Get a stable support base. That could be a supportive friend or a supportive relative. So you know if the worst happens you have someone you can lean on and count on. Only come out when you are 100% confident in who you are and you are ready to finally be yourself to the world. After you've com to terms with yourselves and your ready to come out and sit down with your parents and tell them. This is who you are. And it's not bad. It's just who you are. And if they truly love you they'd love you no matter what. And if it goes bad you have those people that do love you who will support you. :)
SkyeIsThereForYou
July 6th, 2015 6:06pm
Well just ask if they can sit down one night and talk to you. You tell them how you feel and then tell them that you like the same gender and you are their child. They love you for you, not for who you love.
KeiranDrake
July 13th, 2015 5:24pm
It's a personal choice on how you can come out. A few suggestions are a letter/email, a video, or in person. You can look around the internet for come out ideas as well. If you look for the Coming Out Song by Ally Hills if it has to do with your sexuality that is a way that someone. Good Luck.
Lumin0us
November 23rd, 2015 12:08pm
It will be hard, I came out to my mum. I told her "Mum, if you don't respect me I don't know what to tell you, but I like girls too."
Dannus
May 5th, 2015 8:35pm
I think writing a letter is a good way, allowing yourself to say everything you feel, and knowing you have said everything you wanted.
artherapy
March 30th, 2016 5:49pm
Maybe do some research on how people have come out. If you have a friend that has been through this you can even have a conversation about what you should do. Anyone that you know supports you can be there for you.
TaranWanderer
April 12th, 2017 2:21pm
It depends how close you are to them, and what you are comfortable with. I came out to my mom in a letter I left in her purse, because I'm not good at talking. Whatever method you choose, make sure to tell them how strongly you feel about yourself, how much their support would mean to you, and information you might need to explain what you are coming out as.
Anonymous
September 11th, 2016 12:08am
This is a hard thing to talk about, but if you need my advice i would advice you first of all find the right moment and the right place to talk with them about it. and then you first of all try to know what they do think about your sexuality and what would change in your relationship as a family if you told them your sexuality. Then stay calm during the discussion and don't be too much defensive. if they think you are wrong. Explain yourself, give your opinion and thank them later for not judging you . :) -Phoenix
Musicismylife96
September 22nd, 2016 5:16pm
Do like an awesome cake. Like make the cake a rainbow inside and then give them little gift boxes saying I'm proud to be a lesbian!
itsvicky
May 5th, 2017 11:07am
Coming out isn't always easy. Tell your parents you want to talk to them about something very important to you and just tell them. You might be surprised by how well they'll take it! The truth, however, is that not every parent is okay with a child coming out, unfortunately. If you don't feel you'll be safe afterwards, don't come out until you have a safe place. Think about yourself first amd your own wellbeing. You don't have to come out just because you see all these people coming out if that means things will get worse. I wish you the best of luck with that amd always remember there is someone here for you, to listen to you and help you the best way possible.
AutumnCoffee
November 15th, 2017 6:11am
Coming out to your parents is always a daunting task. Regardless of whether or not you know your parents will be completely understanding, or whether you know them to be fairly conservative in the LGBTQ+ concept; it'll always be hard. With that being said, there is one huge thing that should always be taken into consideration before coming out. Are. You. Safe? Sometimes, coming out doesn't go well. As much as I'd love to pretend that it does; it does not. Though the chances of it happening may not be likely, some kids have received some fairly harsh reactions upon coming out, ranging from abuse to being ejected from the home. Before coming out, be sure to ask yourself if you're safe. Do your parents have a problem with LGBTQ+ related things? Do they outwardly oppose it? How much or how little? If there is a strong chance that things could go wrong, is now the best time to do it? With the media now-a-days, there is such a huge pressure on coming out. However, if you do not feel comfortable with doing so, then do not force yourself to do so. If you do feel safe, then it gets a lot more straight forward. Maybe try googling various coming out methods, and picking ones hat would fit well with the type of people your parents are. Whether that is baking rainbow cupcakes, or simply bringing it up in conversation.
Aquadreamer4151
April 6th, 2016 4:18pm
sit down and talk with them about it. or if you want it to be more in there face just bring someone home
AdorableReeds
July 24th, 2016 7:17am
Stay calm and get them together and sit at a table, coming out is very simple and easy if you just stay calm and tell them.
Anonymous
July 14th, 2018 4:57am
Sit them down and say to them, there is something I’ve wanted to tell you for a while now, and it’s been bugging me for a long time. Mom, dad, I’m _______
AveryinUnderland
April 6th, 2016 4:36pm
Well, there are many ways. I personally feel like it all depends on the people but if you feel that they'll take it well then you could do something witty, funny or just silly. But if you aren't sure you could write a letter, send then a message, or even a text but face to face is always best. Only do it when YOU are ready, trying and failing a few times is perfectly alright. I came out as trans almost a year ago and it happened over the phone with my mother because she weaseled it out of me (I wanted to have a face to face with her and my father) but it worked out. I hope for any who take this plunge do it with their heads held high and I hope your family accepts you for the amazing creatures that you are. Be free and be fabulous. OH! One last thing, if they approach you and ask if you are LGBTQ+ don't panic! It
Poptheweezl1058
January 4th, 2019 12:08am
Make sure you won't be endangering yourself when you come out Make sure you have a reliable friend that you can sleep over if your parent kick you out Make sure your parents understand the termonology, do this gently, "hey did you know..." or "I found this term at ... today, ... I think it was, it means ..." Remember your safety is your current main and biggest concern I understand the urge to come out but if it is not safe do not come out I don't mean to press this but it's important If you need amy help there are plenty of listeners oh 7 cups Hope this helped -pop
sailorDoge1
September 24th, 2016 3:54pm
Everyone's story is different, especially when it comes to how we are dealing with our own sexuality. My own personal experience was a positive one- almost insignificant to any other life events that were going on- I had been hanging around a girl who became my girlfriend slowly, and my mom just noticed how close we were. She one day just asked me if we were dating- and I said yes. That's all there was to it. Not everyone is so lucky, some people may have difficult situations/non-understanding parents. And for those of you suffering with this, I am truly sorry, but it gets better. #positivefocus
NotaThief
April 6th, 2016 3:38pm
I've personally never had to do this, but I would sit them down and ask them if I can ask them a very personal question If they say "you can tell me anything" Then I would continue.
KingEvan0904
October 7th, 2016 2:58am
Just tell them whenever you feel is right. Remember you can't be closeted for the rest of your life.
AHandToHoldAndHopeToGlow
June 1st, 2016 4:31am
Sit them down, and ask them how they feel about same sex couples, most likely they will ask " are you gay/bi/lesbian/pan/ace" Ansewer honestly, Im not saying be blatent but tell them that you have always prefered the same gender, and that you love them and think that they deserve to know whats going on in yor life, and tell them "mum dad, Im a lesbian/gay/bisexual/ace/pan" And remember to smile, act happy about this, because its a happy time :)
HuddlesWillAlwaysListen
July 13th, 2016 5:08am
I know it's hard to come out. Trust me. I've been there. But, first find out if it'll be safe. Find out if they're homophobic, against the LGBTQA+ community, Transphobic, or anything like that. If it's not safe to come out, PLEASE. DO NOT COME OUT. If it's not safe, I suggest you come out once you're in a place where you can take care of yourself and they cannot throw you out of the house. If it IS safe, then you can bring it up in a car ride, at dinner, or just bring home a lover of the same sex (if you have any sexuality related to dating the same sex. Ex: Bisexual, Pansexual, Homosexual)