1 of 18

Write now Article Tools

Some questions you need to ask yourself before you tell your parents you are gay.

1. Are you sure about your sexual orientation? It is normal to question your sexuality and this is part of normal human development. If you are unsure, your parents won't be sure.

2. Are you comfortable with your gay sexuality? If you are wrestling with guilt or depression; it would be a good idea to put off telling your parents. If you are not comfortable with yourself, you can not expect others to be.

3. Do you have support? If you don't get the reaction you were hoping for, you should have someone in your life that does support you one hundred percent. Support is very important for emotional well being.

4. Do you know about homosexuality? If you have reliable research and information to share that is important because you parents most likely will only know what society has told them.

5. What is it like at home? If it is a really stressful time at home or there is a lot going on you might want to hold off. The calmer the environment is the easier it will be for you to talk to your parents.

6. Can you be patient with your parents? Your parents will have to process this information and it could take awhile before the truly understand. There is a chance they might never understand.

7. Why are you coming out? If you are in a healthy place you will be coming out so can be closer to your parents, never come out in anger.

8. Do you have resources? Most non-gay people don't know a lot about homosexuality; have books or a phone number your parents can use to further their knowledge.

9. Are you dependent on your parents financially? If you need your parents to finance your education or need to live at home think real carefully about telling them. Sometimes, not all the time, parents will force children out of their house if they are mad or even cut financial assistance for school.

10. What is your relationship like in general with your parents? If your parents have always been supportive then it is more likely they react better then if you have a rocky relationship.

11. What are their social, religious and moral beliefs? If they think homosexuality is a sin then this could be a real challenge and it's important that you keep that in mind.

12. Is this your choice? This has to be something you want to do and it should be only your decision. This is not something you do because someone is pressuring you to do. Not everyone should come out to their parents.

Learn more about this author, Michelle Powers.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to tell your parents that you are gay?
We want to hear your view. Write now!