Families Differ

In some families, talking directly about your lesbian/gay orientation is not helpful. It may be better to gradually let your parents know that you are lesbian/gay, allowing them to realise at a pace they can take. Sometimes it will be fairly clear that this is the best way. In other families, it may take a discussion with someone outside the family to work out that this is the best approach for you. If you are in a permanent relationship, try to gently introduce your partner into your family when you feel that they are most at ease with the idea of a same sex relationship. Remember, that it can be difficult for some parents, especially fathers, to cope with physical displays of affection. Same sex partnerships often highlight the fact that there will not be grandchildren, and many parents will regret this. This is another unfair emotional burden that is put upon lesbians and gays.