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Coming Out to Your Parents

KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT

Most Follow Typical Stages

They Go Through Stages Differently

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

Be Clear in Your Own Mind

• Are you sure about your sexual orientation?
  
• Are you comfortable with your gay sexuality?
  
• Do you have support?
  
• Are you knowledgeable about homosexuality?
  
• What's the emotional climate at home?
  
• Can you be patient?
  
• What's your motive for coming out now?
  
• Do you have available resources?
  
• Are you financially dependent on your parents?
  
• What is your general relationship with your parents?
  
• What is their moral societal view?
  
• Is this your decision?

THEY'LL EXPERIENCE LOSS

Parents and Children Switch Roles

Separation And Loss

Not An Absolute Progression

A Traumatic Discovery

STAGE 1: SHOCK

If They Have No Idea About You

Some Parents Already Know

STAGE 2: DENIAL

A Shield from Threat

We Thought He Was Confused

If They Want Counseling For You

Breaking Through Denial

One Parent May Be Slower

STAGE 3: GUILT

They'll Feel They've Done Wrong

Single Parents Feel Extra Blame

Tell Them It's Not Their Fault

STAGE 4: FEELINGS EXPRESSED

They Acknowledge Their Emotions

Anger And Hurt

STAGE 5: MAKING DECISIONS

The Fork in the Road Supportive

This Far And No Farther

Constant Warfare

Relapses

STAGE 6: TRUE ACCEPTANCE

Not All Parents Get This Far