I come from a very large and tight-knit extended family back in California. I'm back home for a vacation, and I'm planning to tell the extended family while I'm here. I'm going to start with my grandparents on my dad's side in about an hour. They're taking me to lunch for my birthday and I'm going to tell them over lunch. Then I'll tell the aunts and uncles on that side of the family by email probably tonight. As for my mom's side of the family, my grandma's been having some health problems and we're not sure about how she'd handle the news. I'm going to talk to my mom about it tonight and see how we want to go about it. I'd like to tell her and my grandpa in person, but not if it's going to be too much for her. That'll also affect how and when I tell the extended family on that side. I don't think anyone's going to react badly. It'll just take some time to adjust for some people, but I'm still nervous. I'll keep y'all updated on how it goes!!!!
I did it! I told my grandparents! It was pretty anticlimactic, honestly. My grandpa didn't say much. My grandma was surprised but then said "You've always been shy around girls." After a couple other questions--mostly about my boyfriend--and reminders to be safe, the conversation headed toward other people they've known who have been gay, and then to other subjects entirely.
I literally LOL'd at this, sorry. Congratulations! and hope the rest of the family goes just as well (*hug*)
Thanks everyone for the support! I've been working on drafting an email to my aunts and uncles on that side of the family. Let me know what y'all think! Dear Aunts and Uncles, You've been a very important part of my life ever since the beginning. I so appreciate your interest in all the goings-on in my life, from publications to performances to vacations to classes to recipes and everything else. I want to let you all know about something else, something that's been brewing for awhile but that has only recently become an important part of my life. It's both a big deal and not a big deal at the same time, but it's something that I want to share with you all as I've shared so many other things: I'm gay. I've known I wasn't straight for a long time, but it's only been within the past year or so that I've come to realize, accept, and truly embrace that this is who I am. It's been a long process both for me and my parents and sister, so it's been a big deal. At the same time, I'm still the same SemiCharmedLife I've always been, with the same personality, sense of humor, hopes and dreams for the future, and passion for life that you've seen in me as I've grown up. So as I turn another year older and share this part of me more openly, I look forward to continuing to share the major events of my life with you all as I have for the last 26 years. Feel free to tell my cousins but aside from that I'd like to keep this within the family for right now. I've already told Grandma and Grandpa. I look forward to seeing y'all on Sunday! Love, SemiCharmedLife
Eloquently said. I've practiced something like that to my mom and dad... But never have been able to. But the key part is... "I can't hide it any longer" if they care they will understand the inner turmoil of being closeted and that you are indeed the same person.
I hope it goes well. (*hug*) A lot of my family members already know, but I wish they didn't. I wish my homosexuality could just... die in a hole...
I guess. I thought coming out would make me feel better about myself, but it's only made me feel worse. Back when I found out I was gay, I had a "look at all the fucks I give" attitude. Now, I have a "why can't I make this go away?" attitude. I'm dealing with a lot of guilt and shame, now.
I sent it, and sent it to the aunts and uncles on the other side of the family with instructions not to tell my grandparents yet. I've gotten nothing but amazing positive responses. I'm so happy!!!!!!!!!
