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How can I explain homosexuality to my parents?

221 Answers
Last Updated: 05/26/2022 at 9:51pm
How can I explain homosexuality to my parents?
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Top Rated Answers
Opalescentrose
July 1st, 2018 5:13am
It's pretty textual to describe! A person who likes people of their same gender. Love is love, embrace yourself
lotsoftypos
June 23rd, 2018 8:05am
Start the conversation like this. "Dad, why do you love Mom? How can you explain it." Wait until he finishes. Then ask Mom. Then say, this is how I feel towards, (Select Gender)
helpfulRecipe95
June 23rd, 2018 2:52am
Show them pamphlets maybe? What i did with mine is just tell them flat out thats its okay and acceptable :)
Anonymous
June 20th, 2018 10:35pm
my definition of homosexuality would be romantic or sexual feelings towards someone of the same gender
Anonymous
June 13th, 2018 10:38pm
Maybe you could watch a movie with good gay representation with them. See what their reaction is like and then maybe start a conversation based on that.
AllRainbowsAreMagic
June 9th, 2018 11:47am
You just have to let them know. If they don't understand, don't worry. Explain what you feel, and why. They might be sceptical at first, but they should support you.
AlexanderReed
June 7th, 2018 5:15pm
There's many ways to come out or explain homosexuality to people. You could sit them down and have a conversation or maybe even write a letter. You can try to say something along the lines of "Mom or Dad or both, I want to explain something to you. It's something you may have a hard time understanding and that is why I'm going to try to explain to the best of my ability. Homosexuality is something that's gotten more attention over the years. It's basiclaly just feeling love to the same gender. It's just like heterosexuality, nothin is wrong with it, we just feel feelings towards the same gender versus the other gender. So I'm a boy or girl and I'm attracted to a boy or girl. Try to explain it in a very simple way. I hope I could help. 😊 Good luck,
calmingSalamander18
June 7th, 2018 3:07pm
This can seem daunting and a difficult subject to approach. I've had to go through similar things with my own parents and it depends on how open and accepting they are. If you know that they will be ok with it then I would suggest trying to open a discussion with them about it - maybe bring up a local pride event in a near town? If you think they could be less accepting then test the waters - do you know anyone lgbt in real life or on tv? If so try mentioning that to them at dinner or in the car. Gage their reaction - if they don't seem to mind then maybe it's worth trying to open a discussion. Remember, though, that your safety always comes first: do not risk your safety!! I wish you luck and I hope that it all turns out ok - it has with my family so there is always hope.
NiyahBaptiste
June 5th, 2018 11:11pm
Explain it in the way that makes the most sense to you, Explain how its not a choice its not an option its natural. That its as natural as taking your first breath. You persay might not know at the time that you are a Homosexual but its there and when you finally do decide to come out, just try to express that its not a choice its something thats always inside of you, like being good at basketball; for some thats just something they themselves are good at, for others they just arnt. Thats homosexuality its a sexual preference that is deeply rooted inside a person, its a romantic attraction, sexual attraction or sexual behavior between members of the same sex or gender. And then just leave it at that.
ephender
May 16th, 2018 4:11am
This is a hard one- one that doesn't really have a universal answer. If your goal is to explain homosexuality for the purpose of just explaining sexuality- you can direct them to the American Psychological Association or the American Psychiatric Association to show that homosexual is a natural variant of human sexuality. In contrast, if this is about "coming out". You have to always prioritize your safety. As a queer person- you will always be "coming out" for the rest of your life- at work, at school, etc. But WHEN and HOW you do it is YOUR choice. I recommend coming out ONLY if you feel as though it is safe to do. Have a back up plan incase things do not go as you would like them. Join our LGBT support group, or our community group for inspiration and ideas. Most of all- be proud who you are- because you are special- you have self worth- you matter. GOOD LUCK!
Anonymous
February 16th, 2018 12:05am
Firstly , homosexuality is a part of you, I want you to know that being gay is okay , no matter what anyone else thinks. Coming out to parents can be extremely daunting, but I want you to do it when you are completely sure it is safe for you to do so, and that you are ready to do it. There is no need to explain or give reasons for your sexuality, it is how it is, and that’s so great !
CarpeNoctem22
December 17th, 2017 12:47am
Most of our parents grow up in a society that wasn't acceptive of gay people. For most of them, it's a really new thing, so the important thing here is communication. Teach them what homosexuality really is. They still have many stereotypes about it. Show them that it's a completely normal and healthy lifestyle, and that gay people are normal human beings, like everyone else. Show them that someone's sexual preference doesn't make them bad in other ways. It's just a small part of someone.
royalMango45
January 6th, 2018 9:41am
Okay, this is always somewhat of a difficult subject, because not everybody’s parents will have the same opinion on lgbt+, but there a few things you can do to ensure you are happy and prepared, albeit a bit nervous, to explain to your parents. If you don’t feel confident enough to tell them face to face, you could write them a letter, or if you’re more confident, you could sit them down, individually or as a family and talk to them, maybe show them some videos to help explain, or give them a presentation. Naturally, they will be curious and may ask some (embarrassing) questions, do make sure you’re armed with some knowledge of how you’re feeling and what being homosexual means to you. What is important for them to know is that love is love, and just because you feel love towards a certain gender, doesn’t make you any less of a person, because it’s absolutely normal to be gay/lesbian/etc., but society is making it seem like that’s not okay when it is. Make sure to tell them that you’re still you, that being homosexual doesn’t make you any different, it’s just who you love, and that shouldn’t matter :)
strawberryman23
January 10th, 2018 1:47am
Tell them that it is just love, like they have experienced, but between two people of the same gender. Tell them that it's just as real and just as valid as a relationship between two heterosexual people. You are valid.
Kaysha
January 13th, 2018 11:11am
Tell them that you were born the way you are, and that you love the same sex like your parents love the opposite. It's no different, and nor are you now that you're open about your sexuality.
ElegantUnicorn01
January 20th, 2018 3:21pm
Explain that it is not a choice. Some believe that one chooses to be homosexual, but countering this with "if gay people don't enjoy the same rights, and are treated badly by society, then why on earth would anyone ever choose to be gay?". Ensure to explain that it is no-one's fault - it is simply the way you are, and there's nothing wrong with that. Be sure to emphasise that people will sometimes create bogus stories, such as the AIDs controversy and the idea that homosexuals causes natural disasters (some people believe these, amazingly). Your parents will probably know some of the info already, but answering any questions they have will be helpful to you all!
miraculousStrawberry80
January 20th, 2018 6:59pm
Well when you are ready, I would explain to them that homosexuality is not a choice but that you were born that way. Nothing is wrong with being gay
xxabbey
January 24th, 2018 7:14pm
honestly you just tell them that anyone can love anyone .no one chooses to be homosexual youre born that way and its okay
SwordAndThePen
January 28th, 2018 5:49pm
They've likely already heard of homosexuality, but they may have twisted ideas about what it means. Explain that homosexuality is not a sexual perversion and means the same kind of love and attraction as straight people.
YepThatsMe2021
January 31st, 2018 11:47pm
Sit them down and tell them then explain what it is and how you feel and if they get mad. Leave them alone and give them time to think and if they don't come around, don't get sad. Just keep your head held high and accept it and give it time.
Anonymous
February 1st, 2018 9:58pm
simply say "mom, dad, i'm gay. it means i'm attracted to the same gender as me. i hope you will be accepting."
Megan2603
February 3rd, 2018 12:49am
I would recommend sitting down with them calmly and talking it out. Try to explain to them who you are and that you have always been that way. If they are a little hesitant try to remember that they did grow up in a different time then we are so it might take them a little bit of time to understand.
Kanga
February 10th, 2018 7:58pm
Its depends on the person. Just explain that you might love someone of the same sex, but this does not change who you are as a person, and it also doesn't make you love your parents any less. There are lots of great websites dedicated to the parents of homosexuals, so maybe have them check one of those out!
Anonymous
February 11th, 2018 6:03am
Homosexuality is basically just being attracted to the same gender as you, instead of being attracted to the opposite, and you can't control who you like or love, so you could possibly tell them that, but it's really up to you, as how you go about explaining it it depends on how supportive they are of LGBTQ+ people, and how they react. You could also show them articles and/or documentaries on this, which might help them understand it a bit better.
Anonymous
January 24th, 2019 5:09am
Explain it in simple terms, in a way that normalizes the idea. Think of it the way you did when you first learned what homosexuality was: it's when someone loves people who have the same gender as they do. Explain that love is the same, no matter who the other person is. Remember that, as a general rule, parents want what is best for their children; they want their children to be happy, healthy, and to have better opportunities in life than they did. Confusion and misunderstandings may happen at first due to any preconceived notions they have of sexuality prior to this, so it may take some time for them to understand. But above all, remember that you are valid as a human being, and who you love is a part of that, not an exception!
walkthecisco
April 11th, 2018 3:35pm
Just tell them that it’s when a boy loves a boy and/or when a girl loves a girl. Then just tell them that they are the same as people who love those of the opposite gender, they just love people of their own gender in a romantic way.
OscarWilde99
April 14th, 2018 9:30am
In my experience, explaining that it's the same love is always helpful. Explain that there is no 'fetish' or anything, that it is just the same love that they feel for each other. You just happen to feel it for the same sex.
thelittleprinces
April 14th, 2018 3:14pm
Explain it to them when all is calm and peaceful and nothing is on their minds! Make sure to clear all stereotypes and put kindly as possible and always make them known that they can always check on with you for doubts!
QueerChristianTeen2004
April 7th, 2018 3:26pm
Explain that you love your sane sex the way they love each other. Say that you're just not attracted too the opposite sex.
kindsoul129
April 25th, 2018 12:30am
There is no right or wrong way - just a way that feels right for you. Starting with common ground can help - maybe you all know someone in the LGBTQ community, or maybe you want to start talking about attraction and love and what type of people you feel attracted to. You don't need to educate your parents and you aren't responsible for how they react. Coming out is a big deal to many people so you may want an ally you can call after for support or seek counselling. Remember that parents can be shocked or concerned and anxiety can often drive a negative response. Often things can settle down over time as they accept and understand what you've disclosed.