Concerns

The realisation that when your child comes out, is that you are 'coming out' as well each time a new situation presents itself.

The concerns or questions that arise could be something like 'what do I tell the neighbours?' or 'how will I tell my mother?'.

We may feel that our children will be less safe, be lonely, have less access to good jobs and will have to live in a world which is often less than kind.

This child may not be able to marry and there may be no grandchildren with this child. All these worries and concerns are normal and apply to our other children too.

All young people are at times less safe than we would like them to be. Everyone is at times lonely. It is important to remember that it is what they do (all young people) rather than what they are, which can put them at risk.

We prepare our children as best we can and keep the channels of communication open.

For instance you might discuss with your child who you want to tell and whom you don’t want to tell – because really you don’t have to tell anyone anything.

The sexuality of your child, of all your children is private. Have you found it necessary to talk about their sexuality? And would you?

What will happen at some time is that someone will surprise you with a direct question about your child’s sexuality and then it is good to be prepared.