Coming out to your parents can be difficult.It can change a person's life.You could feel nervous, anxious, or scared.Being bisexual is an important part of who you are.Who you share that information with is up to you.Before you tell your parents about your sexuality, make sure you have a plan in place.Take steps to make the conversation constructive.It is possible to figure out how to live confidently with who you are after that.No matter what your parents say, you are beautiful inside and out.Whatever you do, know that you are not alone.
Step 1: You should be comfortable with your sexuality.
It is one thing to be certain about your sexuality and another to not be.It is a good idea to wait to tell your parents if you are dealing with feelings of guilt, shame, or confusion.You have to accept yourself for who you are before you can expect others to do the same.You can say "I am bisexual" by looking in the mirror.It makes you feel good.If it makes you nervous, keep trying.Come out to a friend first.You will get used to talking about being bisexual.It can take a lot of emotional energy to come out.Before you have a potentially tough talk, make sure you feel confident in who you are.
Step 2: Your support system should be built.
It can be hard to come out.It can feel scary if you don't know how your parents will react.It's important to have people who you can lean on.A support system can help you feel more comfortable having the talk, and can also assure you that you will have a shoulder to lean on.If you are going to talk to your parents, give them a heads up.They may have some advice on how to handle the discussion.When you come out to your parents, ask someone in your support system to be with you.
Step 3: Advice from relevant organizations is what you should get.
The LGBT Foundation can be used as a resource for how to handle situations like coming out.You can find advice and tips from these organizations before you tell your parents.
Step 4: Write down your reasons.
Why do you want to come out to your parents?You love them and don't want to keep secrets from them.You don't want to tell them you are bisexual because you might use your sexuality to hurt them.Take a moment to write down your reasons.They could be proud of who they are or ready to live openly.
Step 5: Pick a time when your parents are not upset.
The conversation could become tense and emotional.Consider what else is going on at home to ensure that it is constructive.Are your parents stressed about money?This is not a good time to have a serious conversation.Did your grandmother get sick recently?It might be a good idea to wait until things are stable.It is possible to choose a time when the emotional climate at home is calm.You want your parents to be focused on you.Ask if you can talk after dinner.It might be a good time to have this conversation.
Step 6: A safety plan is needed.
It's important to pay attention to how your parents view people.Have you ever heard them talk negatively about bisexuals?You need to have a safety plan in place if you think your parents will react badly.If the situation gets violent, make sure you have ways to stay safe.Some TV shows and movies feature bisexual situations or people, if you don't know how your parents view it.Before you come out, ask your parents what they think about what you are watching.Let a friend know when you are having a conversation.Say something like "I'm not sure how this talk will go" if you think it's necessary.If your parents decide to kick you out of the house, make sure you have your own money.
Step 7: Speak with authority.
When you are talking, try to sound confident.Speak in a calm, clear tone.Don't dance around the issue.Speak directly and clearly.You could say, "I want you to know that I am bisexual."I hope you can be as comfortable with who I am.
Step 8: Discuss bisexuality with your parents.
Your parents might not be aware that you are bisexual.They might not know what that means.They will have a lot of questions.Don't feel like you have to share anything that you're not comfortable with when you answer them as honestly as you can.You could say, "This isn't a choice, it is the way I am.""Are you sure?" is a question you should be prepared for.Why would you make that choice?"Do you think you will grow out of this?"
Step 9: Provide the necessary resources.
Being bisexual might confuse your parents.They might wonder if that means you like boys and girls equally, or if you have a scale.Let them know that it's not a black and white issue.Explain that you are attracted to different people.You will be able to answer their questions.It is a good idea for you to give them more information.If you want to learn more about bisexuality, you can ask your local support center.There are pamphlets at your local LGBT community center.If you are a student, you can ask for information from the LGBT center.Provide them with websites to check out.They are more likely to be supportive if they are better informed.
Step 10: You should be prepared for different responses.
You don't know how your parents will react.Think about how you will respond.They may need some time to come to terms with the news and accept it, as the initial reaction does not always indicate how they really feel.They can come around to acceptance and support in a short amount of time if they are in shock first.There are some common reactions.
Step 11: Stand up for yourself.
Hopefully, your parents will be supportive.They should be respectful immediately.Don't lose your confidence if they do not react in a positive way.Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself if your parents say bad things.You can tell me not to insult me.You have the right to stop the conversation.Say, "This is not constructive."I am going to take a break.
Step 12: Come out to one parent first.
It is a good idea to talk to your parents about being bisexual if you are closer to one of them.They might be able to give you advice on how to tell the other parent.
Step 13: Accept their response.
You will need to accept it, even if your parents don't.They will be surprised and emotional.Accept their response instead of fighting with them.Everyone needs time to process their thoughts and feelings.You can say that you are sorry.I hope you will change your mind.
Step 14: A follow-up conversation is necessary.
This could be an emotional conversation for you and your parents.Take a break if it seems like you are talking in circles.You can suggest a time to have a follow-up talk.We all seem tired.Could we discuss this again on Saturday?
Step 15: Be patient.
It might be difficult if you don't get a supportive response.The positive parts of your relationship are what you should focus on.They might not always be angry or sad.Try to give them some time to think.You should not let them treat you poorly.It's important to stick up for yourself.
Step 16: Practice self-care.
After a big conversation, you might be tired.Take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.Get something to eat and relax.A friend might want to go for a walk.Do things that make you happy.You can listen to music, watch a show, or read a book.