Are you the only one in your family? - Empty Closets - A safe online community for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered people coming out

IanGallagher · 23rd Dec 2011, 11:35 PM

I was just wondering if anyone else is the only LGBT person in their family.

Out of two brothers on my mom's side with a total of four kids, and two sisters and one brother on my dad's side with a total of six kids, I'm the only one who is LGBT. Only my parents know at this point. But, still wondering how they'd respond when/if they find out, since I'd kinda be an anomaly in my family. Unsure if they'd even know how to respond lol.

It would have been beyond awesome having a gay or bi cousin whom I could relate to.

What's your family structure like? Other LGBT members or are you the only one?

Sunsetting · 23rd Dec 2011, 11:45 PM

I'm the only one in my family too. My parents know, but neither of my brothers do, though I'm sure they suspect something. I've wanted to tell my younger brother for a while, but my older bro is super abusive and I have no interest in his antics if I said anything. I'm also mentoring a young guy who would be devastated if I shared this with him, but that's a whole other story. You know how it is; share with one trustworthy person at a time

Kev · 23rd Dec 2011, 11:51 PM

As far as I know I'm the only one. None of my family members know, however.

kris burns · 23rd Dec 2011, 11:59 PM

I think i am the only one too.

yeahyeah · 24th Dec 2011, 12:05 AM

I have one cousin that I'm sure he is gay but he has never admitted. My boyfriend told me that my other cousin maybe is lesbian, and I didn't believe him at first but after some things I watched I started thinking the same lol.

King Gandora · 24th Dec 2011, 12:20 AM

I think I am the only one in my family on both sides, but I question my older cousin who is about 38. My mom says he never found a wife but I question if he isn't gay and just chose a life of celibacy. Also my older brother knows I am gay.

Random Dent · 24th Dec 2011, 12:24 AM

Yep. I'm the only one. Well, my half-sister claims she's gay but she only ever sleeps with men and she has a boyfriend. I don't know.

needshelp · 24th Dec 2011, 12:50 AM

the only one in my entire family as far as i know. no cousins, no aunts, uncles, relatives, nobody besides me.

Artemicion · 24th Dec 2011, 01:20 AM

Yep...only one in my family. Only one on both sides of the family as well and...from what I know even further extending it out, just me still.

feverdreamt · 24th Dec 2011, 01:24 AM

As far as I know, I'm the only one in my family

Fairybread · 24th Dec 2011, 01:34 AM

My cousin is (and it's her and her gf's 1 year anniversary today), and her mother is as well. My cousins dad is my dads brother, and my cousin and her mum are the only ones..

J Snow · 24th Dec 2011, 01:37 AM

I at least have no out family members. I have an uncle that has never been married or dated anyone to my knowledge in my 21 years of exist. I wonder about him sometimes.

Tiny Catastrophe · 24th Dec 2011, 01:41 AM

My cousin (well stepcousin technically) claims to be bi and she dated 1 girl a long time ago but my family thinks that was just an attention thing which I agree with. So yeah I would have to say I'm the only legit gay in my family and since I've always been the "odd" one in my family this won't surprise the ones who don't already know.

24th Dec 2011, 01:59 AM

My family is quite big (my mum had 5 siblings, my father has a sister and all of them had kids). But as far as I know, I'm the only one.

**Gerry** · 24th Dec 2011, 02:45 AM

As far as I know I am the only one. I don't think anyone else is.

Bedroom Hymns · 24th Dec 2011, 02:48 AM

Most of my cousins seem straight. I think one cousin (the only cousin I've come out to) is a lesbian though, she once told me she was but then backed the fuck out and said she was kidding. Maybe she was, maybe she wasn't.

Besides her, I'm not suspicious as to any other member of my family. I'm at least the only gay male.

Jim94 · 24th Dec 2011, 02:56 AM

Im the only one , I think at least.
I have a two cusins that I suspect but otherwise no.

Samadhi · 24th Dec 2011, 03:25 AM

Only one. I had a first cousin whom was single for a very long time, and wasn't overly feminine. However, she's now dating a very smart and handsome guy, so she's at least straight.

fiddledeedee · 24th Dec 2011, 03:36 AM

I have more than 70 relatives on Mum's side, but to my knowledge I am the only one who is LGBT. My many cousins and I see each other for a few days every two years, and we have never all been together since I was eight. It could be that one of them is gay/bi and I just don't know it yet.

My older brother is, in his own words, apathetic about his sexuality, so I don't know what his orientation is and he doesn't much care about it. On the other side of the family, I have two uncles, one of whom is married, and one cousin who is about a year old. I refrain from speculating about the unmarried one, as what good would it do? I haven't seen him in years!

Hana Solo · 24th Dec 2011, 04:59 AM

Far as I know, yes.

Mum's side:

My cousin Anne is always dating boys. It never lasts very long, but she's only 16.

My cousin Christina has being with her boyfriend for like 3 years now, so its a fair guess that she's straight.

My cousin Jacob I have no idea about. Far as I can tell he hasn't expressed interest in either gender.

Then again, I only see them once or twice a year, so I can't judge.

I don't know any of dad's side of the family well enough to judge, apart from Nanna, his mother, and she is most definately straight lol.

None of the extended family knows about me yet and I'm going to visit Mum's family for a week over Chrissy... at least I don't have to hide in the closet at home anymore, though I'm not obvious about it, but I can stare at a girl if I find her cute...

23rd Dec 2011, 11:35 PM	#1
IanGallagher The fluctuator Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Mutant and proud Out Status: All except work and extended family. Location: I fly as much as Superman Age: 24 Posts: 619 Join Date: Apr 2011	Are you the only one in your family? I was just wondering if anyone else is the only LGBT person in their family. Out of two brothers on my mom's side with a total of four kids, and two sisters and one brother on my dad's side with a total of six kids, I'm the only one who is LGBT. Only my parents know at this point. But, still wondering how they'd respond when/if they find out, since I'd kinda be an anomaly in my family. Unsure if they'd even know how to respond lol. It would have been beyond awesome having a gay or bi cousin whom I could relate to. What's your family structure like? Other LGBT members or are you the only one? Last edited by IanGallagher; 23rd Dec 2011 at 11:38 PM..

23rd Dec 2011, 11:45 PM	#2
Sunsetting Banned Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: bi, straight, gay Out Status: to some family and friends Location: New York Age: 42 Posts: 950 Join Date: Dec 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? I'm the only one in my family too. My parents know, but neither of my brothers do, though I'm sure they suspect something. I've wanted to tell my younger brother for a while, but my older bro is super abusive and I have no interest in his antics if I said anything. I'm also mentoring a young guy who would be devastated if I shared this with him, but that's a whole other story. You know how it is; share with one trustworthy person at a time

23rd Dec 2011, 11:51 PM	#3
Kev Member Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Close friends Location: Oregon Age: 24 Posts: 58 Join Date: Dec 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? As far as I know I'm the only one. None of my family members know, however.

23rd Dec 2011, 11:59 PM	#4
kris burns Well Known Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to 4 people Posts: 210 Join Date: May 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? I think i am the only one too.

24th Dec 2011, 12:05 AM	#5
yeahyeah Well Known Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Out to everyone Posts: 210 Join Date: Nov 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? I have one cousin that I'm sure he is gay but he has never admitted. My boyfriend told me that my other cousin maybe is lesbian, and I didn't believe him at first but after some things I watched I started thinking the same lol. __________________ ...Such pain as this shouldn't have to be experienced...

24th Dec 2011, 12:20 AM	#6
King Gandora Your Friendly Neighborhood Gay Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: 6 Friends, 1 Enemy, and 1 Brother. Location: Backwoods, Small Town, Missouri Age: 17 Posts: 75 Join Date: Jul 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? I think I am the only one in my family on both sides, but I question my older cousin who is about 38. My mom says he never found a wife but I question if he isn't gay and just chose a life of celibacy. Also my older brother knows I am gay. __________________ “Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open.” - Albus Dumbledore

24th Dec 2011, 12:24 AM	#7
Random Dent Liebe ist für alle da! Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: La la la ladies Out Status: I don't care who knows Location: California Age: 27 Posts: 1,692 Join Date: Feb 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? Yep. I'm the only one. Well, my half-sister claims she's gay but she only ever sleeps with men and she has a boyfriend. I don't know. __________________ No government has the right to tell its citizens when or whom to love. The only queer people are those who don't love anybody Rita Mae Brown

24th Dec 2011, 12:50 AM	#8
needshelp really likes you Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: out to some, not family and friends though Location: in a closet near you Age: 25 Posts: 691 Join Date: Sep 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? the only one in my entire family as far as i know. no cousins, no aunts, uncles, relatives, nobody besides me.

24th Dec 2011, 01:20 AM	#9
Artemicion :D :D :D Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Anyone who asks, but parents in denial. Location: Vancouver BC Canada Age: 23 Posts: 1,112 Join Date: Aug 2010	Re: Are you the only one in your family? Yep...only one in my family. Only one on both sides of the family as well and...from what I know even further extending it out, just me still.

24th Dec 2011, 01:24 AM	#10
feverdreamt Member Regular Member Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Not out at all Location: california Age: 18 Posts: 71 Join Date: Sep 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? As far as I know, I'm the only one in my family

24th Dec 2011, 01:34 AM	#11
Fairybread Flying on broken wings Full Member Gender: Ask again later? (physically female) Orientation: Panromantic Lesbian Out Status: Closet? What closet? Location: Palmerston North, New Zealand Age: 17 Posts: 1,487 Join Date: Apr 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? My cousin is (and it's her and her gf's 1 year anniversary today), and her mother is as well. My cousins dad is my dads brother, and my cousin and her mum are the only ones.. __________________ *"I wanna celebrate and live my life, saying heyyooo, I live the rainbow"* ~[Fairybread] 3:23pm: I'm attracted to personalities, unless the personality comes with a penis ~

24th Dec 2011, 01:37 AM	#12
J Snow EC Addict Regular Member Gender: Sex - Male, Gender -Female/bigender/not quite sure Orientation: Primarily interested in men. Out Status: fairly out about sexuality, gender not so much Location: Des Moines, Iowa Age: 22 Posts: 1,392 Join Date: Aug 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? I at least have no out family members. I have an uncle that has never been married or dated anyone to my knowledge in my 21 years of exist. I wonder about him sometimes. __________________ "You don't need to hide my friend, for I am just like you."

24th Dec 2011, 01:41 AM	#13
Tiny Catastrophe Love is genderless <3 Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Lesbian Out Status: 2 sisters, mom, friends, school Location: New Yorkish Age: 19 Posts: 863 Join Date: Jun 2009	Re: Are you the only one in your family? My cousin (well stepcousin technically) claims to be bi and she dated 1 girl a long time ago but my family thinks that was just an attention thing which I agree with. So yeah I would have to say I'm the only legit gay in my family and since I've always been the "odd" one in my family this won't surprise the ones who don't already know. __________________ Sometimes pain becomes such a huge part of your life that you expect it to always be there. Because you cant remember a time in your life when it wasnt but then one day you feel something else. Something that feels wrong, only because its so unfamiliar. Then in that moment you realize you're happy.

24th Dec 2011, 01:59 AM	#14
MadSeed Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Are you the only one in your family? My family is quite big (my mum had 5 siblings, my father has a sister and all of them had kids). But as far as I know, I'm the only one.

24th Dec 2011, 02:45 AM	#15
Gerry We're all a little mad! EC Moderator Gender: Male Orientation: Gay Out Status: Some people Location: Las Vegas Age: 24 Posts: 5,551 Join Date: Jan 2008	Re: Are you the only one in your family? As far as I know I am the only one. I don't think anyone else is. __________________ "Everybody's journey is individual. If you fall in love with a boy, you fall in love with a boy. The fact that many Americans consider it a disease says more about them than it does about homosexuality".-James Baldwin

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24th Dec 2011, 02:48 AM	#16
Bedroom Hymns The Morning Fog Regular Member Gender: Happy with my willy, but I don't care for gender. Orientation: I like phallic objects and muscles. Out Status: Some friends, some relatives (both my parents). Location: Under the ice Age: 16 Posts: 297 Join Date: Dec 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? Most of my cousins seem straight. I think one cousin (the only cousin I've come out to) is a lesbian though, she once told me she was but then backed the fuck out and said she was kidding. Maybe she was, maybe she wasn't. Besides her, I'm not suspicious as to any other member of my family. I'm at least the only gay male. __________________ Between two lungs it was released, The breath that passed from you to me, That flew between us as we slept, That slipped from your mouth, into mine it crept.

24th Dec 2011, 02:56 AM	#17
Jim94 A soldier on my own Full Member Gender: Dude Orientation: Dudes Out Status: 1 Age: 17 Posts: 260 Join Date: Dec 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? Im the only one , I think at least. I have a two cusins that I suspect but otherwise no.

24th Dec 2011, 03:25 AM	#18
Samadhi Well Known Full Member Gender: Male Orientation: I take it gay bi gay. Out Status: Friends, sister. Location: Where the drop bears hunt Posts: 126 Join Date: Aug 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? Only one. I had a first cousin whom was single for a very long time, and wasn't overly feminine. However, she's now dating a very smart and handsome guy, so she's at least straight.

24th Dec 2011, 03:36 AM	#19
fiddledeedee 22/12-31/12+X! Full Member Gender: Complicated female Orientation: Bisexual Out Status: Most, sans Dad Location: England Age: 15 Posts: 1,128 Join Date: May 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? I have more than 70 relatives on Mum's side, but to my knowledge I am the only one who is LGBT. My many cousins and I see each other for a few days every two years, and we have never all been together since I was eight. It could be that one of them is gay/bi and I just don't know it yet. My older brother is, in his own words, apathetic about his sexuality, so I don't know what his orientation is and he doesn't much care about it. On the other side of the family, I have two uncles, one of whom is married, and one cousin who is about a year old. I refrain from speculating about the unmarried one, as what good would it do? I haven't seen him in years! __________________ A problem should be measured not by the cause of the problem but by the consequences it has on a person. ~ Anfauglith

24th Dec 2011, 04:59 AM	#20
Hana Solo EC's Dear Abby- talk to me! Full Member Gender: Female Orientation: Mostly into girls Out Status: Closet is getting a little crowded Location: Not even a dot on the Australian map Age: 17 Posts: 1,096 Join Date: Nov 2011	Re: Are you the only one in your family? Far as I know, yes. Mum's side: My cousin Anne is always dating boys. It never lasts very long, but she's only 16. My cousin Christina has being with her boyfriend for like 3 years now, so its a fair guess that she's straight. My cousin Jacob I have no idea about. Far as I can tell he hasn't expressed interest in either gender. Then again, I only see them once or twice a year, so I can't judge. I don't know any of dad's side of the family well enough to judge, apart from Nanna, his mother, and she is most definately straight lol. None of the extended family knows about me yet and I'm going to visit Mum's family for a week over Chrissy... at least I don't have to hide in the closet at home anymore, though I'm not obvious about it, but I can stare at a girl if I find her cute... __________________ Thor: No matter what he's done, Loki is from Asgard and is my brother Black Widow: He killed 80 people in two days. Thor: ...adopted. ~The Avengers, 2012