You may assume that people are heterosexual when you first meet them, but this is not always the case.You might be surprised by the news if your friend comes out to you.It's important to deal with the news in a respectful way.If your friend is important to you, and you want to continue to have a strong relationship, you need to be good friends during their coming out.Continue your relationship in a way that acknowledges your friend's sexual orientation but doesn't assume that everything has to be different between the two of you, as long as you process your feelings yourself.
Step 1: Listen to what your friend has to say
It's important for you to know that your friend is gay.Give your full attention because it took a lot of courage for your friend to address this issue.
Step 2: Don't interrupt a friend.
Let your friend say what they want to say.Keeping the focus on how they feel about coming out is more important than what you think about it.
Step 3: Your friend should be put at ease.
"I love and support you" is what you should say to your friend.They may be afraid that you will reject them after you hear the news.You should assure your friend that you love them and that the news won't change your relationship.You might need some time to digest the news in order to come to terms with it.Tell your friend if that is the case, but be nice about it.Say, "I am very surprised by the news but I love you and I just need a little time to process it."They may be very sensitive at the moment.
Step 4: Don't tell other people.
It is important to respect your friend's privacy and not spread the word about them.Your friend should tell you who they want to be with.It's best to leave the job of coming out to your friend.Ask your friend "Who have you come out to?".If you want to talk about your friend to a parent or guardian, ask if you should mention that you're gay or keep it quiet.
Step 5: Take a break from the news for a while.
What do you think about it?Don't be mad at yourself if you find it difficult to come to terms with it.You are a good friend because you're trying to overcome this.Did you have feelings for your friend?If your friend likes people of your sex, you can ask them out.It may be hard to accept if your sexual orientations aren't compatible.If you want to know how to deal with unrequited love or fall out of love with your best friend, you should read this.
Step 6: Accept this as a part of who you are.
Make a list of the things you like about your friend.Being gay doesn't change your friend's personality.They care about you and want to share the important parts of their life with you.
Step 7: Do you want to continue the friendship?
If you're really bothered by your friend's sexual orientation, you may need to consider whether or not you can still be a good friend.It may be better for you to end the friendship if you don't think you can provide the same quality of friendship.Take some time to consider your decision and the reasons behind it.Does being gay conflict with your religious beliefs?Talk to someone you trust and respect.There is a religious leader who can explain the position of your faith.People with a religious background should read literature from both sides of the debate.Love and tolerance of all people can be practiced.Is the fear of unknown making you uncomfortable?Maybe you support people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer, but are unsure of how to handle certain topics.You will soon figure out the boundaries between you if you practice love, tolerance and respect.Do you worry about what people will say?Read informed discussion and talk with people you trust when researching LGBT+ people.If you don't think being gay is a good thing, you may want to rethink your friendship.If your friend is prejudiced, they need strong, supportive, positive people around them.It's best to distance yourself from the friendship if you can't be that person.
Step 8: You should make your position clear on the issue of LGBT+ rights.
You want to organize some gay pride parades now that you're over the moon.Let your friend know.You need to have a potentially uncomfortable conversation with your friend if you aren't as accepting.Your friend has a good idea of where you are.Let them know if you have never discussed your feelings about their orientation.Let them know that you're supportive of their decision to live openly.That doesn't mean that you want to be involved in their romantic life.Let them know what you're up to.Try not to listen or engage if it makes you uncomfortable.A good friend will appreciate you trying hard and respecting your limits as they stand for the time being.
Step 9: Accept your friend's identity.
Acceptance can change the lives of people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual.It tells them that they are not broken and that their sexuality doesn't change the love they have for one another.If your friend is ostracized, bullied or abused because of their sexuality, they may be craving acceptance.Your friend made the choice to live openly and you should be proud of them.Encourage your friend to be proud of who they are.Be your friend's cheerleader!Don't try to change your friend.Your friend can express their sexual orientation.You don't have the right to try to change that.
Step 10: Do things you've always done together.
It doesn't mean that everything has to change after your friend comes out.Continue playing video games and going to the movies if you enjoy them.
Step 11: Speak up for your friend.
It is possible that your friend came out to people who are less understanding.To be good friends, talk to the other friends and convince them to work on their feelings.Your gay friend needs all the help he can get.
Step 12: You can learn more about the community.
It is important to learn about your friend's new community if you want to remain friends.Spending time with your friends may be what this means.It is important to understand your friend's new world in order to keep your relationship strong.