Come Out?

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I've only been here for an hour and already my 2nd post (LOL)I can't believe I'm gonna say this... I'm gay and do not plan on coming out till maybe 18 or later (maybe with a bf... who knows?)Has anyone here come out? How did your parents react?

All I can say is, there's nothing wrong with not coming out until you're ready. High School is probably not the best time. At the end of basic training in the Marines is probably not a good time either. A lot of people are happily, openly gay in college, though, and people are cool with it (unless, of course, you're at a bible college).

"(Unless, of course, you're at a bible college)."………Or a Priest!I do agree with Steve. You’ll know when it’s the right time. I have always chosen to tell those that need to know... Think about this... How many straight people have told you they were straight? Why do you need to tell them? Only the ones close to you in your life are important… As for telling your parents…….. Most have been luckier than me. My parents haven’t really spoken to me in over 10 years give or take… Think it out clearly before you do. It’s a very difficult lifestyle to live. More so after you open that door…

I'd consider our school to be very accepting of homosexuality (especially considering we're in the most conservative province in the country). We have a club for gay pride apparently, although it's small and I can't remember what it's called, but that's aside from the point. A lot of people would stick out more in saying harsh things about homosexuals than they would if they were gay. I wouldn't say that I've ever seen a gay couple openly walk around showing it in the halls of the school between classes (but I can't see the whole school at once so who knows), but it's accepted.How's your school and area's attitude towards being gay? Just be sure that to be yourself and not let the fear of revealing that get in the way of anything.

The most conservative province in Canada is probably more culturally liberal (progressive? libertine?) than the most liberal state in the U.S. (with the possible exception of Vermont).

Not true, as a whole Alberta is far more conservative than the most liberal US states. Edmonton, as a city, is far more liberal than the rest of the province, but Calgary and all the smaller cities and towns through out the province are very conservative. Go to rural Alberta, and it's as conservative as the most loyal red states in the US.

Are they ready to give up national health care, invade Iraq, and join the Southern Baptisth church?

The question is, would a young guy coming out of the closet have an easier time in Calgary or some simliar-size town in the liberal state of Massachusetts? I can't speak for Calgary, but it would be tough going in most such Massachusetts towns. It's just something for the original poster to consider, aside from family issues.

The government of Alberta is on the verge of getting rid of universally free health care in the province (not scrapping, but two-tier is a major difference from what we have now), is firm in their position on gay marriage for what they believe are moral and religous reasons; nearly every small city, town, or rural person I know, as well as most Calgarians I know, support the war in Iraq.In Calgary (depends on what neighbourhood too), it wouldn't be nearly as hard to come out of the closet as it would in a lot of the smaller towns, many (not all) of which would be like small towns in Massachusetts in that sense.Note, not all of Alberta is as conservative as states like Massachusetts, but small town and rural Alberta is.

On the contrary, Massachusetts is a pretty liberal state. It's the only one that has legalized same-sex marriages.

If I were a kid living in Provincetown (has a large gay population) or Boston (depending on the neighborhood), I might not be as concerned. But in most average towns in Massachusetts, and the rest of the U.S., it could be a big problem to come out. It seems like there's little gain in doing so, until you're older, and are more prepared to deal with the complications.

Hopefully some folks who have come out while in high school will relate their experiences.

Ah, I didn't realize that Massachusetts was quite liberal, I was thinking that it was conservative (my knowledge about a lot of the individual states is kind of limited).

Gee thanks for the encouragement...LoLMy opinion to the OP is actually the same as SteveA's. There is nothing wrong with waiting and since I am guessing you are still in High School, I would wait. High School can be VERY hard. College is A LOT more accepting.Just be true to yourself, that's all the matters. As long as you are being true to yourself, you cannot go wrong. If you DO need to talk or have any other questions you are mroe than wlecome to PM me. Take Care!

Yea, from what I've heard. I mean sure, there are other "gay (i.e. we think are gay but are most likely some form of Metro)" kids, and the whole seems to be generally accepting (some kids yes, some kids no). But I don't even act gay. No lisp or n-e-thing. Just liking guys. I feel like I'm the only one.

Almost certainly you're not the only one. Of course, the others are hiding too.

I didn't mean only gay person, only gay guy w/ no gay stereotypes. All of my qualities are straight. I don't dance, don't really cook, sometimes play sports, am overweight, etc. all straight guy stuff; besides, the percentage of gays in HS is like 1 in 1000 or sumthing right, so in MS there should be at least one other.And, strange enoguh, I like guys, but I'm attracted to girls. I don't get erections from girls like I do from thinking about guys but I've dated girls and stuff. Like I don't really fall in love with guys but girls don't turn me on, but I've cleared up the fact I'm gay. Anyone else like this???

the percentage of gays in HS is like 1 in 1000It's actually at least a few in 100. So, in any classroom, there might be a couple of gay students.

well, who can say for sure? I still hope someone could answer my other question though. Do you think it's just cause my mind is set to the norm of society (i.e. guys are suppossed to like girls)

I'm kind of in the same situation.

I don't understand what you're asking. There are lots of gay men who show no outward "signs" of being gay. Why do you think that even most gay men fit the stereotype? You've been watching too much Will and Grace and The Birdcage. Go watch Breakback Mountain.

yea i guessand don't you mean bareback mountain? Hahahaha, that's gonna be a porno in a year, just watch :-)

4got to nsay (b/c of the joke!)Mostly just saying I'm not like the guys who we think are gay. But now my question has shifted torward the girls. And glad to see I'm not alone waterdcash; could you explain your situation some more?