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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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Lauren Abasheva, LMHC

Licensed Professional Counselor

A sex positive, and kink knowledgeable therapist with an open mindset and a clear understanding that we are all different.

Top Rated Answers
LukeMOC
May 25th, 2018 2:13am
I would write down exactly what you will say to them and rehearse it. Also plan how you will respond to the different reactions you may get. You know your parents well and probably can guess how this may go. Preparation means you won’t be stuck for something to say. Plan when and where as well. Acknowledge you will feel anxious which is to be expected. Have a plan of what to do after depending on the response. You may feel like going elsewhere to have some space or you may remain at home. Also have friends to contact after.
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2018 5:32am
Well only do it when you feel safe and not pressured. Sit them down and make sure they have your full attention. And once you are calm and have all your thoughts in line tell them.
Anonymous
February 14th, 2018 4:03pm
The first thing you have to consider, is: Are you in a safe situation? What do you think the reaction of your parents will be? If you're sure you're safe, do it at a calm moment. Take your time to tell them.
Anonymous
June 21st, 2022 9:26pm
Before you come out to your parents, you should test the waters with something safe like talking about a celebrity who just recently came out. I.E. Talk about Elvira being a lesbian at first. Gauge their reactions. If they're overly negative about it, it's not safe to come out to them. You should also make sure that in the case that coming out DOES go poorly, you have a place to go and plenty of resources to fall back on in case you get disowned, or have certain privileges taken away. Lastly, you should be prepared for them to ask questions, or not fully understand right away, especially if they're not in the know about LGBT issues. Once you've made sure that it's safe to come out, or are sure that you have the resources to fall back on if you are outed, sit them both down while they're calm and in a good mood and tell them honestly. Some people use cake, or artistry, but it's not necessary. A simple statement of "Mom, Dad, I'm (insert sexuality and/or gender identity here)." Another example is to introduce them to your partner, or tell them ahead of time that you're going to be expressing yourself in a different way from now on. I came out to my parents in the worst way after sneaking out with my (now ex) girlfriend, and it really didn't go over well. It led to a big fight, and a lot of drama. Thankfully, they didn't kick me out, but it did put some strain on the relationship that's lasted to this day. I still remember an ex-classmate trying to come out as bi to her mormon parents, only for them to threaten to ground her until she was "straight again." So please keep these experiences in mind.
funnyBreeze11
November 10th, 2017 9:20pm
I didn't have to come out because I'm straight, but I have lots of friends who aren't and based on their experiences I'd say the best way is to just state it in a clear and forward manner, but gently too, and if that person really cares for you, it shouldn't make a difference. You're still the same person you always were.
SteadfastStatue
November 11th, 2017 2:39am
Be humble; not apologetic. I cannot say that I have come out to my parents, but I have made it very clear that I don't care much for guys (I am perceived as cisgender/ heteroxesual female) and I cannot fit my gender expression or sexual orientation into a pigeonhole. It just doesn't align with who I am.
Anonymous
November 22nd, 2017 4:34pm
Talk about it and actually make conversation and answer their questions. Understand that they are worried about your safety and life, and however whatever you are coming out as will effect it. They will also be shocked, so don't be surprised if you have to come back to them later about it.
Anonymous
November 23rd, 2017 6:46am
That depends on the situation, i can help with that if you want. I’m always here to talk whenever...
aCraftyFox
November 25th, 2017 3:42am
The answer to this question is always going to depend heavily on the asker, and their parents. Some people have a lot of luck just talking to their parents, explaining themselves, and answering their questions. Sometimes all the parent wants to know is that their child is happy, and well. But it does not always go that way. Some times it's not safe for a person to come out because of their living situation. Some times no matter how much a person talks and tries to connect, the parents can't hear it. What any person does to come out to their family is not going to be helpful to any other person. Relationships come in infinite variety. You will need to modify your plan to fit your family. But absolutely know this: No matter what they say or do, you are not alone. You are worthy of love.
ListenerM22
November 29th, 2017 3:29pm
Start out slow and start by telling close friends and trusted adults so that way you have the courage to tell people and then prepare yourself to tell your parents by writing out what your going to say and then one day get both of them together and tell them
Anonymous
December 6th, 2017 12:15am
It depends. If you're coming out as a sexual orientation, just tell them that you like [whatever gender(s)]. For people coming out with gender identity, maybe introduce the topic lightly, saying so-in-so came out as trans, and say you feel like [whatever gender].
blissfulName63
December 22nd, 2017 7:32pm
It is important to know you are safe, try asking your parents lgbt related questions and check if they are comfortable with the topic. If they're accepting, write a note or tell them verbally. But don't feel that you are forced to come out. You're not keeping a secret from anyone! Stay safe.
Anonymous
December 27th, 2017 1:32am
Depending on how open you are, I can give you two propositions. The first and most obvious one is to arrange a moment when you sit down with either of them and explain everything. However, if you don't feel confident enough with this way, I'd recommend just blurbing it out spontaneously when you're out doing something so you have an excuse if you panick or the reaction doesn't go as expected. In my case, I used the second option when shopping for some clothes. I just said a quick sentence when picking a shirt so it sounded like I was commenting on the design. My mom caught the message and gave me a very nice, supportive speech. I'm really happy with the way it went.
Anonymous
January 4th, 2018 8:01pm
First, make sure that your parents will be supportive and you will be safe if you come out to them (you can try casually mentioning LGBTQ+ people and seeing what their reactions are to try to gage whether they are supportive or not. If you decide that you're safe, it just depends on how you want to come out. I usually come out to people for the sake of jokes, but that's just me. You could sit them down and tell them, or give them a card, or really do anything.
ElegantUnicorn01
January 20th, 2018 3:17pm
Make sure that you are all in a comfortable environment - this could be the living room for example. Everyone should be in a decent mood (trying to come out after a family row is generally not a good idea!). Ensure that there is plenty of time for you to discuss this with your parents - ideally, a weekend day when no one is going to work or an event. Be open and honest, and tell them how you feel, as well as how important you feel that their support will be going forward. I think it's important to understand that not everyone will be receptive to this, and they will ask questions - be honest with your responses, and ensure you let them know that nothing else about you is any different. Ideally, parents will want to support and look after their child, but this is not always the case. If a parent does not accept this, then ask that you simply be civil about it - arguing does not change your sexuality!
clearyourhead
January 26th, 2018 1:33am
Coming out to your parents can be tricky, and it's different for everyone. When I came out, I had to ask myself a few questions, such as how accepting were my parents and was I ready. Before you even think about coming out to your parents, you have to come out to yourself. Once you've accepted yourself for who you are, figure out how. If you are afraid they're going to hurt you, do it in a public place. You can make it a Big Thing or simply say it.
BlissfulNathalie24
January 28th, 2018 5:28pm
Hey! I would love to discuss this with you! Chat with me @BlissfulNathalie24 .. but my short answer is that you make a plan. Imagine the best case scenario and the worst case scenario. How do they both make you feel? Now practice coming out to a friend. How did that go? Is there something else you want to add next time? Write this down. Now decide when and where you would like to come out. One parent first? Both at the dinner table at once?
Peacocksfeather06
February 1st, 2018 12:36pm
Parents are the best person who can help you deal with when you feel they might scold you. Just gather the logic, benefit and need behind the thing. And you're done!
bleedingangel
February 2nd, 2018 10:31pm
By sitting them down and letting them know that there is something you wish to let them know. Take a few deep breaths before speaking in order to make nervousness go away- if there is any.
Anonymous
February 9th, 2018 6:51pm
Sit them down. Lay an emphasis to how you have been feeling, having to hide a very important aspect of your being to someone so close to you. Tell them that despite what is, you are still the same person.
walkthecisco
April 11th, 2018 3:32pm
Make sure that they aren’t angry when you come out to them. Then just make sure you all are comfortable and then you just tell them. Their response may vary, but if they are amazing parents they will accept you for who you are.
Anonymous
May 5th, 2018 12:42pm
The best way is the simplest way. When you're ready and certain that they'll accept you, just tell them that you have something to say and say it. They are your parents and will love you no matter what. But if you know that they won't accept who you are then that's more complicated situation 😐
Anonymous
May 3rd, 2018 8:33pm
Do it once you're ready. Never do it out of the blue, try doing it during a dinner or sit them down in the living room,
Evelle
April 29th, 2018 5:21pm
There are a lot of options. Of course you can just talk to them. But if you have trouble speaking to them, you could write a letter. Sometimes it's easier to write and you don't have to be in the same room while they are reading it.
lovelybluebaby
April 26th, 2018 2:17pm
Make sure you are comfortable in your environment, and make sure your parents are calm. Don't do it during a crisis, it could make them overreact. Just let the words flow. If you don't feel safe coming out to them, you don't have to. You don't owe your parents anything, it is completely your choice.
AprylFools
April 26th, 2018 12:31pm
This is a hard thing to do, because you're worried about how they will react and how they'll make you feel. The best thing to do, is practise how you're going to break the news. Perhaps tell the parent you feel more trust towards and see how they take it. It is a struggle, but it's an important step in your life and your parents will love you unconditionally either way. We're always struck by the negatives in these situations, but they are your parents, they are the people who have raised you and loved you from the moment you've vomitted on them, screamed at them and so much more. They'll not change how much they love you, if anything, they'll be proud of you for coming out as the real you.
peacefulMermaid80
April 18th, 2018 12:07am
Find the right time to tell Them, let Them Ask questions, just let Them take their time. And just tell Them How it is.
lovelypumpkin
April 13th, 2018 10:02pm
There are many, many, many ways to come out to your parents. Some people choose to come out in a creative way, such as putting “I’m [insert sexual orientation, romantic oroentation, gender, etc.]!” in icing on the top of a cake or (specifically for ftm or mtf transgender people) giving their parents an “it’s a [boy/girl]!” balloon and changing “it’s” to “i’m”. Some people choose to simply sit their parents down to dinner and tell them. There are so many ways to come out, but, for your safety, coming out in a safe environment is highly recommended. The number one most important thing to remember is to be honest (emphasis on honest). And if anything goes wrong, it is best to still think of it as an accomplishment. You came out! That is such an amazing accomplishment! Coming out can be a really hard thing to do, and, personally, I am so proud of you for that! Even if you haven’t came out or don’t plan to, you still know who you are and have chose to embrace it! That’s the most beautiful thing. If you are planning to come out, I wish you the best of luck!
BrightBean7
April 13th, 2018 2:22pm
There are lots of different ways you could come out to them. If you feel comfortable with it, simply sitting down with them and talking it through may help. If you don't feel comfortable doing it face to face, you can always try doing it over the phone, message or even writing it down. Whatever you feel comfortable with is best.
starryWords2002
March 2nd, 2018 12:04pm
you make them sit down. Make sure they aren't in a bad mood and nor are they stressed out. you tell them without beating around the bush. but while you do so, make sure you do not take names of your lover or friends, as if your parents are against it, they will assume it is your friends fault, and you wouldn't want that. explain it to them from the very start and don't be annoyed or offended by their reactions. it is a big news for them to take in too. give them time to understand and process it all.