I think I’m bisexual. How can I tell my parents?
Some parents are eager and happy to talk with their kids about these issues. Some are not surprised and are welcoming when their children come out to them. Some are definitely not. That’s why coming out to parents can be intimidating and scary for so many people — no matter how old they are. Know that every family is different, and there’s probably no sure way of knowing how your parents will react, even if they are gay, lesbian, or bisexual themselves.
The best way to decide whether to talk with your parents is to ask yourself these questions:
Exploring these questions will help you be clear about your sexuality in your own mind before coming out to your parents.
Before coming out to your parents, it’s very important that you’re sure they will be understanding, if not supportive of your sexuality. If there’s a possibility that you may be told to leave home or something equally drastic, it is definitely better to wait until you are in a better place to take care of yourself.
Generally, most parents who have a hard time when a child comes out to them go through several emotional stages. They can include shock, denial, guilt, expression of feelings, personal decision-making, and true acceptance. This process, however, can take years, and not all parents will ever be accepting.
Tags: LGBTQ, bisexual, coming out, parents