Ask Amy
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
DEAR AMY: I'm a 24-year-old gay male. I have been "out" to my immediate family for about five years now.
My family is very supportive and open about my sexual orientation when it's just the four of us, but I haven't told everyone in my extended family.
My sister always tells me, "Your sexuality is none of their business," but to me, it's a lot more than that. It's part of my story.
They don't understand what it's like to feel like you're hiding something from people.
It affects my behavior and my relatives' behavior too.
My cousin told me that everyone already knows and that everyone loves and accepts me. But can I still officially come out to everyone, or is it not appropriate? -- Lucky Gay
DEAR LUCKY: Thanksgiving is coming up. Surely, your family will be gathering for dinner.
You could handle this quickly and give everyone a memorable holiday experience by saying, "Please pass the cranberry relish, and by the way I'm officially gay!" I'm kidding, of course.
I'm with your sister, that (except for people you are sexual with) your sexuality -- anyone's sexuality -- is no one's business. However, you sound very eager to disclose this, and I can understand your desire to be completely authentic with your family.
I give you permission to "officially come out" and then get on with your life.
I'd love to hear from readers with suggestions about the best way to do this.
DEAR AMY: My mother recently died, and as her 70-year-old son, I gave my grandnephew's new wife about $1,500 worth of good jewelry that belonged to my mother.
