Coming Out to Extended Family and Facebook

[Thylacine]

Ok here I go...

I'm out and proud at school. It was a hard but a good decision but I have an issue my mum knows I'm gay but she thinks my decision to come out at school was a stupid one, she thinks sexuality is a private thing you should keep to yourself. One step I've wanted to take was come out on facebook except there are relatives on there who dont know about my sexuality.... what do I do? telling them in person seems real weird to me I'm not comfortable around them on those issues so would it be wrong of me just to come out in one foul swip on FB? Because there are some people at school who still dont know and I have the ' so your gay' discussion every day and I'm getting rather sick of it??? How did you go about it? NB one of my aunts is a devout christian. thanks.

[anonymous53]

Sexuality should be your own business. There is no reason to go openly about it on facebook or anything. The facebook thing is unnecessary. The school thing is understandable :)

[Mewp]

I just straight up told my folks. Admittedly, I was a bit older than you are. Haven't been at highschool for a few years; very open about my sexuality. I can't remember if I've told my extended family; cousins certainly. I'm fairly sure they know, though.

Also nice to see another Kiwi on the boards :D

[Fruit_Tart.]

Do what you think is best.
Maybe you can just post on FB that you're 'Interested In Men' and they can find out that way.
Or just don't tell them and let a discussion come up like, "So you have a gf Liam?" (I'm assuming that's your name) and just tell them right then and there.
Eh. Whatever is more convenient to you.
It's not like you're going to change who you are, so waiting or not, it doesn't really matter because they'll find out eventually.
Good luck! :D

[OneTwo]

if your friends know and your mom knows then be happy with that. do whatever you want though. i mean what your basically doing is announcing that you like boys. if you have people on your fb that are going to lash out at you for that then why make trouble for yourself. if your comfortable in your own skin then thats all that matters.

[Thylacine]

Thanks guys I guess its an idea to keep FB a gay free place then. I am comfortable with who I am so I guess just leave it at that.

[Syvelocin]

By all means, it's your decision. It doesn't matter. Some people think that it should be kept to yourself, others find the idea of letting your loved ones know about this secret is what should be done. I don't think everyone needs to know, but after coming out to my cousins, I feel closer to them.

You never know as well, it can be beneficial. It took until I came out to find out that my uncle is gay, no one let me know this prior. Now I feel even more connected to him, because he understands it better than anyone in my family.

I came out on Facebook. It was easy, and I was able to do so for my cousins all over the world instead of having to wait until I next saw them. The most supportive of my cousins, I haven't seen for five years, so otherwise, it would be very difficult to tell her this. Not everyone knows, but I know my boundaries. For instance, my stepdad's side wouldn't be too accepting, and my grandfather is a devout Catholic (he doesn't even know that my uncle is gay, as they've been keeping it from him as well).

[Nancy Boy]

Sexuality should be your own business. There is no reason to go openly about it on facebook or anything. The facebook thing is unnecessary. The school thing is understandable :)

i agree. :3

[RoseyCadaver]

If all those people knew I would be happy,people know I'm more then straight,I just tell them I have no sexuality(more or less pan :P ).I wouldn't just post on facebook"Hey everyone ,I'm gay."If you feel the need for people to know then,it's your business and tell them,just be happy with yourself :).If people ask yo ,are you gay,then I would go a head an say yeah,it's just not me to say it on facebook,but hey if you have pride go ahead :).Good luck my friend :).

[Thylacine]

I'm very open about it whenever people ask i dont hazard in saying yes I just try to be careful who I say it too. I dont wanna get bashed see.

[Fruit_Tart.]

People are always going to be hateful, remember that.
I have plenty of people that accept me, but the funniest thing (i think) happened today. I was walking down the street and this guy just rolled down the window and yelled, "F*ck you," probably because I was walking funny. :P
I'm starting to think you should come out on FB. It'll be the easiest way and nobody can bash you. :)
Once again... Best of luck to you.

[Thylacine]

I have had randoms yell at me from cars. People I don't know. Its a bit disconcerting but I don't think its cause I'm gay.