Do you have to Officially come out to your family?

[Mebenick]

Ok so I came out to my mom over a year ago when I was 17 and I'm very happy I did but I was just wondering if its really necessary to have to tell the rest of my family? I'm not comfortable talking about sexuality with anyone really. Back when I liked girls, when everyone would be like talking about it I would stay quiet because I, shy when it comes to that. Is it really necessary to officially come out to people or can you just be like "by the way I'm seeing someone. His name is ____"

[HumbleMuffin]

It's not necessary at all. I have a friend who neither came out or kept it hidden- If someone asked, she'd answer truthfully, but she doesn't push it on people either.
You can definitely just tell people who you're dating. No reason to wind up with the "I'm gay" discussion :B

I came out to my parents when I was fourteen, but my brothers still don't know.

[Magenta]

No! You can tell whoever you want and it really doesn't concern anyone else. I didn't even tell my parents, I just came home with a girlfriend and they didn't really have a say in the matter. My grandparents and other family have an idea but I haven't officially told them 'cause I don't feel the need to make a huge deal of it.

[Harley Quinn]

I came out to my parents when I was 15/16. I haven't to extended family, I guess it's up to whether or not you feel comfortable telling them. Me personally, I don't so I don't tell them and they don't really ask. There's always the awkward 'so you got a boyfriend' question, but I guess you either ignore it or not. It's all down to you what you do.

[Syvelocin]

Oh yeah, I only "officially" came out to my mum and dad. But many people know I'm gay. And even more don't. It's this great discovery and everything, there's this clarity and hopefully happiness. But not everyone needs to know, not even those closer to you.

With the others, I just like to tell the truth and nothing more. I don't say anything until someone asks me, and I tell it like it is. When you're neutral about it, other people are more at ease. Some people who sway more toward the right side of the spectrum will freak out more if you make a big deal out of it.

My Catholic family just leaves me to myself. Sure, I've brought the gf around for our infamous Christmas, but like they did with the rest of the gay members of my family, they preferred to lie to themselves than cause drama. Luckily for me, my dad's side hated my ex more than Liz. Specifically my grandfather, he was more racist than he was homophobic. He was just happy to see Jay was out of the picture honestly.

[teen.jpg]

Only if you think it truly will help your relationship with them, and won't break it. If you're worried about whether to tell them or not, I'd hold off until you're truly sure it'll work out.

[justin 13]

I do not want to come out.

[Shadow]

To answer you question no, you do not have to come out to your family, while it would make things easier you don't have to tell them if you don't want to or if if it would be way too uncomfortable for you.

[Naue]

I'm not really sure, I haven't as of late.

If you feel that it will benefit your relationship with them, then yes do it. Otherwise, just answer when asked.