01-20-2012, 04:09 PM
I think it's awesome that you are confronting this and making strategic plans for liberating yourself as an open gay man! You're taking a very objective and mature approach, so good for you!
Believe me, I waited way too many years to come out, somehow thinking I was protecting my family from shame and protecting myself from rejection by them. While there will surely be challenges for you as you progress, it will be totally worth it for you and you will feel so much better inside. I think the sister idea is wonderful, but just make sure you do it at a time and place where you will have some time to spend discussing all your concerns with her re: the rest of the family. She can help you formulate next steps. I recommend telling others one at a time though, avoid the "group" announcement. People tend to be more reasonable and understanding when its one-on-one.
But remember, don't ever apologize for who you are, just tell them who you are and tell them you love them and accept them as they are and that's all you want in return. If your family truly loves their son and brother, they will probably love you even more in the end. mile:
Good luck friend!
Believe me, I waited way too many years to come out, somehow thinking I was protecting my family from shame and protecting myself from rejection by them. While there will surely be challenges for you as you progress, it will be totally worth it for you and you will feel so much better inside. I think the sister idea is wonderful, but just make sure you do it at a time and place where you will have some time to spend discussing all your concerns with her re: the rest of the family. She can help you formulate next steps. I recommend telling others one at a time though, avoid the "group" announcement. People tend to be more reasonable and understanding when its one-on-one.
But remember, don't ever apologize for who you are, just tell them who you are and tell them you love them and accept them as they are and that's all you want in return. If your family truly loves their son and brother, they will probably love you even more in the end. mile:
Good luck friend!