So, I'v been on vacation with my family for the weekend. My brother already knew i was gay, my parents did not. We had a great time, doing awesome fun things like kayaking and biking and stuff. Then tonight, we went to see HP 7.2 in a local theater (6 dollar tickets!). It was good, I enjoyed it, but I spent most of that time with my mind racing about what i was about to do. My brother assured me last night that he was behind me 100% and that, even though it was probably going to take a lot of time, my parents will come around too, because they love me and care about our family a lot. After the movie we went out to the car. My dad had to put bikes on the bike rack and then we got in. At that point before he started the car I just said "Before we go anywhere, I need to tell you guys something. I'm gay." and the initial reaction was a ghasp from my mom and a "What?" from my dad. It was the kind of what that was like, you're being ridiculous. Then we talked about it a bit. We being me, my brother, and my mom. My dad was very quiet for the whole ride home. He's from the midwest, so this is a big deal to him, but so is going to therapy. So anyways, we drove back to where we were staying, talking sometimes about it. My brother being awesome and chiming in things like "Well you know i'v got your back, and i'll always support you" and "This is a good thing!" My mom said she was happy that I told her and she just wanted me to be happy and to meet someone that makes me happy. So i'm glad to KNOW that I have one parent who is supportive (which means the other WILL come around eventually). My dad said he was confused and was very quiet. But when we got back, he gave me a short manly hug and said it was okay. My mom also asked why, if I knew all this time, I hadn't said anything. Obviously i answered that i wasn't ready and i didn't think it would last forever at the time. I'm so glad to have it off my chest and now finally have everyone i care about know that i'm gay. I'v come a really long way. I'm so okay with myself now that I never think about the fact that I'm gay. I don't even view it as being different at all! What a journey this has been. I went from joining this site with the false idea that i could be straight, and left a happier, more confident, better looking man! I want to thank EVERYONE at EC for helping me all those times I really needed advice. You guys and this site really mean a lot to me! :icon_bigg So now I'm out to everyone!!!(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)(!)
Congratulations! I think fathers often have more problems with this than mothers. It sounds like he will just need some more time to get his head around the situation, probably with some late night discussions with your mum. It's a big shock to both your parents. You have had time to come to terms with it and get ready for this moment, they haven't and are only now starting to deal with it. It sounds like they are dealing with it very well though. The only thing I would add is to make sure that now it's been discussed it isn't buried and ignored by them, especially dad. Find reasons to mention it occasionally so that it becomes a part of normal life. For example, just as if you were straight, if you are going to a specific bar or to see a specific film then say so, but don't overemphasise or ignore the gay aspect.
Taylor, that's just fantastic! Congrats! And I echo Paul's thoughts... your dad will come around given a little time
