coming out

[Paix et Amour]

i have no idea how to come out to my family as bi. its hard to talk to people in my family, but i really do want to come out. any ideas on how i can..?

[Mellifluous]

Pretty much just sit them down and be all "Mom, Dad..."

It's pretty much the only way to come out.

Unless, you famly are homophobes. then, don't come out unless you REALLY REALLY want to because there is a chance that they might not accept it.

Best of luck!!!

[Sythan]

You can't really beat around the bush, sometimes you just have to come right out and say it.

[Paix et Amour]

i guess, its just hard. and i wouldnt be telling everyone at once.

[Celestial.]

Hey Sarah.

I think it's great that you're comfortable enough with your orientation to consider coming out to your family. That's a big step, and it's good that you're thinking about it before rushing into anything. Remember that once you do this, you can't go back into the 'closet', so be sure you're ready before you do anything.

That said, if you're reasonably sure of a good reaction, and if the possible positives outweigh the risks, then go for it. There are a number of ways you can go about coming out, and since I don't know you or your family, I can't tell you which one to use. I can just give you some suggestions, and let you choose for yourself.

First, there's the direct approach. Just take whoever you want to tell aside, and say, 'I want to tell you something'. Then, don't dodge questions or tiptoe around the subject, or you'll just get more nervous and they'll get frustrated - just tell them, upfront, and as simply as you can. Invite them to ask questions, and, if they don't understand, explain. Remember that while it's hard for you, it may not be easy for them either, so try and do everything you can to make it easier for both of you.

The problem with that is that people will tend to take it as a big deal. If you take them aside and tell them, they'll think it's something huge, and treat it as such. If you want to show that you're completely comfortable with it, and ready to be open, you can try to be casual. Just slip it in there, into a normal conversation, and if you don't make a big fuss about it, chances are they won't either.

If you don't want to tell them face-to-face, you can write them a letter instead. Short and sweet probably works best - it might take a while for them to process the news, and the smaller the letter, the easier that should be. Just make sure you give them enough information to make them feel at ease, and to let them know that this is who you are, and you'd appreciate it if they respected it.

No matter how you choose to tell them, remember that timing is important - it's not something you should reveal in an argument, or when either/any of you are stressed, upset, or anything like that. Make sure you and whoever you're going to tell are calm, and feeling good. Make it clear that you respect their point of view, whatever it is, but that this is something you can't control, and you'd like them to understand that. Ask them if they want to know anything, and try and be as open as you can. It might take time for them to come around - after all, maybe the thought hasn't even crossed their mind - so if they need time or space afterwards, let them have it.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[Heartlines.]

It's always really hard to come out to people. You sometimes think that you know how they are going to react, but you never really do. You can't always tell how people feel about LGBT until you come out or simply ask. And everyones reaction is going to be slightly different depending on who the person is. There is no real easy way to come out. Sometimes the best way is just to sit your parents down and be like, "Can we talk?" "I'm bisexual". I know, it's a scary thought. But also, if you are uncomfortable with that, you can also write them a letter. Explain how you are feeling, and the reaction you fear from them. It can be nothing but helpful. Even if they don't accept it, you can at least go on feeling a bit lighter than you did to start off with. I hope everything goes well. Take care <3

[BillieGirl]

You just have to come out and say it. Be proud of who you are!!!!

[Cristi.Matt]

I agree with GaaraGirl, when i came out as bi, it was on the way home from school and i just said, "I'm bi." that was that

[imissyou]

it took me a few years to come out. some people were shocked, others didnt believe me, some were like "yeah, i knew" others "yeah, and" but when people didnt like it, my answer to them was, im still the same person i was 5 mins ago, so there is no reason not to like me now. its always a difficult decision to make, who to tell, who first etc. but all you can do is be honest. as said before, make sure you are calm, so you can answer the questions that people have. but honestly, go for it. it may be weird at first, but it will feel better, because you dont feel like you are keeping a secret anymore. let us know what happens
xx