Should I worry that my parents don't accept me as a gay guy?

Question

I've been depressed 'cause my family is not accepting or tolerating my sexual orientation. Should I be worried? feel bad? or be happy?

Answer 1

Of course it's normal for you to feel bad because they are rejecting you. I think it's great that you have been honest with them and believe me, I know the pain you're feeling because I have someone very close to me who's going through the same thing because they still haven't opened up about it, knowing they will be looked down on. However, the few people they have told have accepted the fact and love them despite their difference. Your family has always and will always love you. They're just angry and hurt right now, mostly due to shock. You can't let that bring you down though. You are who you are and it's great that you are being honest with yourself. You keep being yourself because it's the only way you'll be happy. If your family members want to be in your life, they will find a way to do that eventually. It may take a long time, but they will come around. If they NEVER do then you should just look back and think of all the good memories, and just be proud that you are not as ignorant of a person.

Answer 2

It's very unfortunate that your family is being this way. I can only imagine how hard it must be, and it's totally understandable that it's upsetting to you. But please don't let it ruin your life or make you feel like a bad person. All you can do is hope that they come around with time. If your family feels this way because of religious beliefs, I suggest asking them to watch the documentary you'll find at the link below. And just as a note - a lot of people have misinterpreted what this film is about so make sure to read what it's about.

Good luck

Answer 3

Just feel how you want to feel, because we don't know what your parents are like, so we can't exactly tell you. Of course you should be worried, but you should also feel happy, too. Be glad that they finally know, so you should be proud that you've taken that step that most people wish they could do *cough* me *cough*.
I say keep quiet and don't mention it until they do. Give them time and they'll soon come to terms with it, and hopefully be okay with it. Just be prepared for any questions that they ask, although they probably won't ask any.

I'm sure everything will turn out fine, but good luck with whatever happens.

Answer 4

Hun you are who you are, & I feel sorry for your parents for not accepting every aspect of who you are.
But I would for now not mention it to them, or bring any boyfriend you may have to their house. Just be their son, leave your sexual orientation out of the picture, they know, now it is their issue to come to terms with & either accept who you are or not. But don't let it get you down, don't worry about it, you can not change how you feel inside, or who you are. And you should never have to.

Answer 5

How long ago did you tell them or they find out? If it was only recently, it may have been a huge shock for them.

Give them time, and I'm sure they'll accept your sexuality. Their love for you will be bigger than their homophobia.

It may also be a wise idea to not be too 'gay' in front of them. Don't check out guys around them or tell them you're going to a bar/club etc. Rubbing your gayness in their face isn't a good thing.

Good luck! I know it'll all work out fine - just give them time.

Answer 6

It is my personal opinion that you should not worry about that. They may never accept it, which would be unfortunate and unfair. If you are old enough and inedependent enough, I think you should live your life the way you think is best, allow them to live their lives the way they see fit, and visit on holidays (IF they treat you with respect). Give it time. You can't make them accept you, but you can move on if they won't. I know they're family, but not all family members are healthy for us to have around.

Answer 7

You need to have a long talk with them. Tell them you love them and will be patient as it might take them time to adjust. I'm sure you know it has to be hard for them to accept if they always thought you were straight. Don't give up. Be as tolerant of them as you would like them to be of you. They should come around.

Answer 8

Obviously you have just recently told them of this. Something like this is probably hard for your family to take at first, I'm sure they will get used to it in time. They are your family, there is no possible way they cannot love you or care for you. :)

Trust me.

Let them know your personality isn't any different, you are still you... and as family they have a responsibility to love you for that reason only.

Answer 9

Ultimatley even though your family's opinion is important to you, Your opinion of yourself is the only one that truely matters. If you are ok with it that is all that matters. Your family will either accept it eventually, or they won't. But you will be who you are either way. Accept yourself and others will follow suit. If they don't, at least your happy with yourself.

Answer 10

You should not feel bad. Do you accept yourself and are happy with yourself? If so, don't let your parents intolerance get you down. Give them space and they might accept you for yourself over time. They may not. Love yourself.