One down many more to go.

[ccharles000]

Just now I came out to my cousin Priss and she is ok with it. She is my lucky number seven.

[exothermic]

1. Congrats! It really does get a little easier with each one.

:D

[dsc]

2. congrats man

way to go. Hope things keep going well.

[moose65]

3. Congrats!!

It gets easier each and every time, and I find that it gets a little tiresome as well! Do we really have to keep "coming out" for the rest of our lives? :-)

[ccharles000]

4. I am pretty sure we do.

[moose65]

15. Yup

And I don't mind it really, it gets easier. Everyone I've told has had a reaction like "Geez I am SO glad you finally told me!!" I like your sig pic of Gale Harold (sp?)

[Glorfindel]

5. Good for you!

Those who love you will love you even more for your courage and honesty. Those who don't, don't matter anyway.
:hug:

[ZombieHorde]

6. Awesome.

http://www.soulforce.org/

[mtnester]

7. You are coming out?

hugs hugs hugs hugs hugs

snuggly warm hugs

special pancakes

more hugs


May I ask (you do NOT have to answer)...everyone so far been OK? And how many were surprised?

My son came out to us in August 2004...we knew LONG before he was certain...he struggled for quite a while...when he finally came to love himself for who he is, he was 24...and he was certain we would be OK with it...we ABSOLUTELY were...he is a much happier man now (he is 27 now, soon to be 28...neener to him for me telling his age)

[dsc]

8. congrats to your son

Coming out the other side can be so difficult, supportive parents make a huge difference.

[mtnester]

9. He is a special kid....

shoot, he is a grown man now...we love him dearly, and always will...but he is still a kid to us!

I will never understand parents who turn the love off when their kids tell them...I simply cannot comprehend. We have become a surrogate Mom & Dad for quite a few of our son's friends, boys and girls, whose parents are ....less than supportive.

It makes me sad...so very upset and sad

[dsc]

10. It is sad

I haven't seen a kid outright rejected but I have seen some who have had it rough at home. My own mom took some time to really come around. Supportive parents like you are a true Godsend and I am glad your son shared you with his friends.

[mtnester]

11. Hah, I would surrogate you too

if you needed me to!

So your Mom is OK now?

I saw one child completely thrown out of her parent's lives, cut off from college funds, rent money stopped...I mean, we all helped our kids...we promised our son 4 years of college and we gave him that, plus we paid the rent and books and stuff...now he is racking up his own student debt (shudder). She is an only child, so no siblings to help buffer.

This child was in the same boat, her parents were fronting her education and rent, she was not a slacker, they ALL worked jobs while going to school...and when she came out, her parents disowned her on the spot...emptied her checking account, and have not spoken a word to her in 3 years. Many of us worked hard to keep this child (yes, she was BARELY 21) from becoming so depressed so she would not turn to alcohol or drugs or suicide...I tell ya it was a miracle...she had a LARGE support group of peers and other caring adults...I curse her own parents, I really do.

We all still watch this one like a hawk. Her parents were cruel in their rejection. Utterly cruel.

[dsc]

12. My mom came around

She was pissed at me for a time, but she came around. I feel for that young lady, some parents don't deserve kids. You have done a great deed for that young woman. Thanks.

[mtnester]

13. No, thank YOU

We did not have a hard task...I think yours, and our son's and the young lady we loved like our own, had the hard job. Every single person that comes out helps the next one in a thousand ways.

[dsc]

18. I stand on some big shoulders

It is so true that other people coming before me made it easier. I hope your son is doing well.

[mtnester]

19. He is stubborn as hell

he lives in Cincinnati instead of moving back home closer to Columbus...he refuses to be chased out by haters.

He is FINE! Filled with snark and a quick wit, and many times a smart mouth. But surrounded by a huge group of friends all over the world...he is one of those unique people who are totally themselves and everyone loves, but, screw with him, and you are dead to him, he has no time for fools at all. He worries about getting older even though he is young...all the things many other young folks in their late 20's think about, but he is happy.

[ccharles000]

16. ...

So far everyone has been ok with it. My mom still is struggling a little.

[mtnester]

17. Again, I give you hugs and all the good joy feelings I can

Your mother loves you, she and you will be OK too...You want to know the one thing about coming out that actually bothered me with my son (and I am embarrassed it did)...grandkids...I immediately thought Oh no, no grandbabies...then I went DUH dumbass, he can adopt or surrogate. It was a stupid thing, but I admitted to him also that it was a stupid thing that bothered me...we talked through it and in my heart I think I always knew he would not want children ANYWAY...he admits he is selfish enough that he does not know if he could ever have children.

Your mom probably had about a dozen weird things come up in her head she never thought about before, as well as any deep sterotypes and yes, even some bias that may have lurked...she may be thinking about AIDS right now, even though it is terribly prevelent among heteros and should be something ALL parents worry about. She may be worrying about what/how HER friends will say or think or react. And as a loving parent, let me tell you I was frightened for my son, because I know the bigotry and hate that exists. All of these feelings can be overwhelming for her. Make sure you get together frequently now to talk, hug, and just BE with each other while both of you adjust.

Again, can I tell you that you will be happier and nore loving in your own relationships with everyone now? And I send MORE hugs and support your way. Congratulations on your happiness!



edit - typo, as usual.

[Toasterlad]

14. Congratulations!