Activity | Rinnie | Autostraddle

Rinnie posted an update in the group Straddlers on Coming Out 12 years, 3 months ago

Wow, do I need this group. I’m starting the process (only very close friends know right now) and I am working up the courage to finally tell my parents, though honestly it feels more awkward at this point than frightening. I really wish I’d had this all figured out when I was younger. :/

Rose replied 12 years, 3 months ago

Good luck! It took me forever to tell my parents, and they’re the least homophobic people in the world. I don’t know why, I guess it’s just always nerve-wracking to bring up these sorts of things to parents.
- Rinnie replied 12 years, 3 months ago
  
  Thanks! Yeah, nerve-wracking is a good description of it.
  - Jamie replied 12 years, 3 months ago
    
    For me it was really hard to actually get the words out. There was 20 minutes between “I need to tell you something” and “I’m gay.”
    - Rinnie replied 12 years, 3 months ago
      
      I experienced that a little when I told my mom (I told them both today and it went better than I thought it might, but still not great). Telling my dad was scarier so I sort of blurted it out and freaked for a few minutes while he said absolutely nothing and stared at me stone-faced. The whole thing felt pretty yucky while I was doing it, but I…[Read more]
      - Jamie replied 12 years, 3 months ago
        
        Congratulations! I’m really proud of your strength, just knowing how hard it was for me and my mom’s really liberal and I know she’s pretty neutral to gay rights — she’s supportive, but only because it mattered to me.
        
        You’re lucky to have such an accepting older brother. It always helps when there’s someone to support you!
Missy replied 12 years, 3 months ago

congrats! good for you. it is such a great feeling to be out to your immediate family, at least. less walking on eggshells, less holding things in, less policing your speech…it’s a huge weight off. i’m happy for you, Rinne!

@rinnie