Anyone have advice for me about coming out?

Do it on an ordinary day. Do NOT do it on Christmas, Thanksgiving, Aunt's Clara's 90th birthday party or your parent's 50th wedding anniversary. Reason: your coming out will permanently shift the emotional feel of the date. The last thing you want is to wake up 20 years from now, wish your Mom happy birthday and have her sigh and say "I remember 20 years ago when you told me you were gay. I was so depressed."

Don't apologize: they jury is still out on what exactly "causes" homosexuality so do not apologize about being gay. It's not your fault, or your parent's fault or society's fault. It simply is.

Don't expect immediate acceptance: it took you how long to accept yourself? Don't expect others to be OK with it in 5 minutes.

Keep cool: don't get defensive, loud or argumentative. There are people who will try to draw you into all manner of moral and ethical arguments. Remain cool and don't let them get the better of you.

Don't treat it like a big secret: if others get the impression from you that you would prefer this be kept a secret then (1) you're not really ready yet to come out and (2) you're saddling others with a great burden. You can ASK people to keep it under their hat but not everyone will have your best interest in mind so once you tell ONE person, assume the cat's out of the bag and be ready to answer "Yes" when complete strangers come up to you and ask "are you gay?" Plus there are some people who, if they know they have a secret about you, can use it as leverage against you. If you don't present it as a secret, no one can control you.

Be self-assured and firm in your conviction: if you hesitate or seem unsure, people will assume you don't know your own mind and spirit. They will doubt what you're telling them. You don't have to be obnoxious about it, but being mousy and apologizing for being gay will give others power over you to make you feel badly and negatively about yourself.

Answer honestly: some people may ask you questions that you don't yet know the answers to. That's OK. With age comes experience. But be HONEST with your answers and don't be embarrassed about aspects of your sexuality. Acting that way, again, will send the message that you are ashamed about being gay. The one thing about having conversations with others about subjects like this is that it forces you to clarify IN YOUR OWN mind what your beliefs and convictions are so that you may articulate them to others.

Hello from England, Alyssa. What a poignant and emotive question - and a very courageous one, too, in my view.

Firstly, Alyssa, always remember that God made you, and if you are good enough for Him (and you are!) then you are MORE than good enough for the rest of us mere mortals. Agree? Great!

This just might come as a surprise to you,Alyssa , but parents are very perceptive, and what you have to say on the matter of coming out just might not be as big a shock as you imagine it to be. You are still their beloved daughter! You haven't suddenly grown four legs or two heads.

You are simply expressing a sexual preference - a very courageous act indeed. Simple as - no ifs or buts!

Tell them together, Alyssa. If you were my daughter I would give you the biggest hug ever. They just might do exactly the same.

Good luck I wish you well - and I must confess that it would be wonderful to know the outcome.

Regards.

Its your life and completely up to you when and how you decide to come out, find someone for support if you are afraid of what may become of it. Make your own path and no one will be able to block it. They are your parents and should eventually come around.

When I came out I was 18 and in love, I got a job, got a place, and moved him in with me. For my family and peers it was quite a shock seeing me go through quite a change so quickly but that is what love does. It makes you go through crazy things. After that my familly and peers seen that I really loved the guy and came to respect and support me. I was so scared what they would think.

The truth is that you'll never know how anyone will react unless you tell them... find some support.

I hope I helped!

There's no right way to come out. YOu just have to find the courage & overcome the fear of what they're going to think. They might be your parents, but this is YOUR life. Do with it what you want, even if that means stepping on a few toes. Your parents will always love you, even if they don't agree with how you live.

Well my coming out story didn't go how i meant it to go.This what happen me and my parents was watching some tv show.and there was some good looking females on there and i just came out and said"damn she sexy" and they both looked at me but just didn't pay me any attention.Until one day i told my mom that i like females and she said she knew that for awhile and was happy i finally told her but she already knew.My dad still don't like it but deal with it when me and my girlfriend come around i was 16 and now i am 22 so i hope this help and sorry i told you my whole life story.

You better tell your mom first... When she's calmed down, then tell her to first explain to your father that gay isn't choice before he freaks out... Oh, and there is no right way to come out... Good Luck :)

why does almost every girl from age 13 to about 25 say they are bi-sexual, bi-curious, lesbian????

whatever....

why do you need to tell people your sexual orientation? do you go around telling people what blood type you are too? what does it matter.