Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

How can I explain homosexuality to my parents?

220 Answers
Last Updated: 04/29/2022 at 11:15pm
How can I explain homosexuality to my parents?
Perfect therapy for people who need help. I would like to say, I never can imagine it could be possible to heal people like that
Ta Tania
5 star rating
Moderated by

Danielle Johnson, MSED, Community mental Health Counseling, LMHC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Sometime situations and feelings can be so strong that we struggle to function. You are not alone! My practice is flexible and open-minded and tailored to your personal needs.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
March 13th, 2019 12:51am
If you have very ignorant parents, then this would not be a wise idea. If, however, you have very understanding and loving parents, then yes I would recommend trying to explain this to them. Before I begin, I would tell you something very important. If you have ignorant parents, I would recommend waiting until you are fully independent. I say this because I have witnessed, first hand, Countless parents disowning or kicking their children out of their home for being gay. If you have very understanding parents, then I would recommend telling them as you would prevent carrying all this weight on your shoulders. In order to explain homosexuality to your parents, please follow the following steps. Firstly, make sure that they are not already stressed out or dealing with other difficult situations. Secondly, sit them down, preferably in a private area and make sure to stay on topic. Thirdly, go ahead and tell them. Don't be worried if they are speechless as this is common in these kinds of situation, just give them time and honestly answer any questions they may ask. And finally, don't be afraid to express your emotions, If you feel like crying then cry.
Anonymous
April 23rd, 2016 1:03am
You were born this way. Everything on earth is natural, if God did not want you to be this way, you wouldn't.
Profile: Probius
Probius
May 21st, 2016 6:24am
You can tell your parents that you love someone of the same sex, as opposed to the opposite sex. Nothing else is different about you.
Profile: RaCat
RaCat
February 9th, 2016 7:51pm
I haven't explained it yet (even if I identify myself as bisexual) because it's one of he hardest thing to do when your parents are homofobics. But I think that the truly loving parents would accept them child no matter what sexuality he has, maybe it will take a little bit more time than always but at the end of the day, they will understand. Just try o be honest, show them what it is to be like this and show that it's still you, that nothing ever changed.
Profile: dancingBeauty97
dancingBeauty97
June 5th, 2016 10:48pm
Homosexuals are just like any one else. They love like other people and care like any one else. They have nothing wrong with them. They are the same just like "straight people"
Profile: HelpWisely
HelpWisely
June 4th, 2016 7:08am
What is there to explain? Just tell them that you are a homosexual and that is the reality of who you are. You are still a human being even if your sexual orientation is towards homosexuality.
Anonymous
September 27th, 2015 3:48am
I think it's best to wait sometimes. Explain it to them if you have a safe place to go, or are out on your own. I know how hard this is, I'm waiting right now too. I've tried explaining some things, but haven't..come out about anything yet. I feel they wouldnt understand. So I'd rather be somewhere safe and then explain it to them, so I know I have a home somewhere. As far as ways to explain it, maybe mention that homosexuals dont choose who they're attracted to any more than heterosexuals do. Find the facts to back it up, but dont push too far past personal lines all at once. Acceptance is a process. For some, that processing time is quick and painless, while others take much longer. Much love and I hope this helps ^~^
Profile: optimisticPumpkin82
optimisticPumpkin82
June 17th, 2016 12:22am
You could explain homosexuality to your parents by telling them that homosexuality is not that much different from a normal relationship. Only thing different is that with guys you have a male and male and girls it's a girl and girl. Love is love no matter what.
Profile: sunalchemy
sunalchemy
June 4th, 2016 2:23am
First you have to make a short and reassuring introduction like .. the other day i found instead of i've got something to say it's less stressful. Second you explain how gradually you found that you were homosexual and that they actually nothing to fear you will stay the same. The rest will depend on your parents reaction !
Profile: SimplyBeing
SimplyBeing
May 8th, 2016 5:50pm
I have struggled to explain homosexuality to many people I care about. For me, people began to understand when I started talking more about how I feel than why I felt that way and how I became homosexual. Your feelings are yours and you deserve to have your feelings respected. Your experience of being homosexual is what matters. When I made my explanation more about "this is who I am and how I feel, right here and right now" people began to hear the authenticity in my voice and they started working to understand it themselves. I wish you peace ~J
Profile: RedVase1234
RedVase1234
June 9th, 2018 10:12pm
You can start by telling your parents that 2 people of the same sex or gender can feel the same kind of love, affection, and attraction as heterosexual couples do. Understand they might have questions, and be open to answering them the best you can
Profile: BubblySerenity91
BubblySerenity91
June 10th, 2016 1:01am
You know what works best with your parents, but do your best to make it easy and clear to understand
Profile: bhetherson4
bhetherson4
June 11th, 2016 3:24am
Homosexuality is love for the same gender as yourself. Though it may differ from how society portrays what a relationship should be, a relationship is always moving, building, and growing. Love is love no matter what gender or pronouns or preferences people have. Love should not be discouraged based on people's gender.
Profile: tiredsnail
tiredsnail
March 31st, 2018 6:50pm
To begin, it is recommended not to come out in an unsafe environment. If you are comfortable, explain that you feel an attraction to the same gender.
Anonymous
June 23rd, 2016 1:39am
Sit down with them and have a calm and trusting talk. Don't just spring it on them, but lead them calmly into the subject.
Anonymous
September 11th, 2019 4:44pm
The simplest way to explain homosexuality to someone is that you like the same gender and would make love with exclusively the same gender. If they don’t understand this, then try that you don’t like any other gender but the one you identify as. If they say homosexuality isn’t normal, well, it’s found in 450+ species while homophobia is found only in one. Another way to deal with hate is to tell them that it’s not a choice- you are literally born gay(it’s been proven!) so it’s not something you can control. In the end, it’s your choice on how to explain it to them, and I’m sure it’ll go well!
Profile: Aayla
Aayla
- Expert in LGBTQ+ Issues
August 9th, 2019 10:21pm
It's all about telling them openly how you it feels to be homosexual, how you realize it, and what it means to live as homosexual. Make sure you tell them about why certain common misconception are wrong and what is really true, for example the fact that homosexuality is something innate and not a choice or a consequence of some life events. Let them know that gay people can be as happy and in love as any other. Let them know you're available to answer any question they might have, and most importantly, be as open-hearted as you can! Good luck!
Profile: SMStar
SMStar
July 9th, 2016 7:26pm
Homosexuality is love for the same gender as yourself. Though it may differ from how society portrays what a relationship should be, a relationship is always moving, building, and growing. Love is love no matter what gender or pronouns or preferences people have. Love should not be discouraged based on people's gender.
Anonymous
April 29th, 2022 11:15pm
It's all about Communication, Honesty, Trust, and being totally Transparent. You have to be patient, it takes time for some parents to understand. We as gay people sometimes create our own family circles. I've learned that not everybody is going to agree, and accept my lifestyle. Have learned to accept that. It's about being your Authentic True Self. always. I didn't say it was always easy, but staying TRUE to yourself is everything in life. Surrounding yourself with people that love you unconditionally is Massive. Toxic people, and environments must be excluded, completely from your life. Even unfortunately some family members. My partner, and I are married. Yes, you can live a caring, and wonderful life:).
Profile: TylerDelRey
TylerDelRey
April 21st, 2016 5:24am
The best way to explain is to tell them that its natural. No one chooses their sexuality, so they shouldn't be judged for that!
Profile: NekoBread
NekoBread
September 22nd, 2015 2:15am
Just try to tell them of the easiest and informative way you can, and when you see that is a good timing; if you can, get support for some friend or someone that be there for you in these hard times. and info yourself about other cases like you.
Anonymous
December 13th, 2020 7:31pm
My parents were Christian, and had different views about being LGBTQ+ then I do. So, when a friend of mine came out as gay, it was challenging for them to understand at first. They thought she was calling out for help, when really she was finally comfortable to tell the world more about her identity as a person. I explained it to my parents by showing them the original Greek and Aramaic, as well as Hebrew in the Old and New Testaments. An error was made in the 1940's which mistranslated a word for pedophilia as 'homosexuality' which has caused the misconception among some Christians that being LGBTQ+ is wrong. When my parents took time to reflect on this new information, they began to see that my friend's sexuality wasn't wrong, rather it was the true expression of herself.
Profile: BlissfulNathalie24
BlissfulNathalie24
January 28th, 2018 7:51pm
Congratulations for discovering you sexuality and starting to think about how you will come out to your family! I'm so proud of you for coming to 7 Cups and exploring your options. Feel free to chat with me about this! I know it can be stressful and scary and at times feel alone. @BlissfulNathalie24 ! My short advice is to form a plan! Sounds easier that it is. Write down the best case scenario of what you WISH would happen. Now write down the worst thing that can happen. Could you get kicked out of your home? Made fun of? .. Think about that. Now go online. Find an LGBTQ+ support group (I work for one called the LGBT Life Center, Is there one of those in your city?) There, they will have hotlines, support groups, and even safe housing resources and everything to ease your fears! Think about THAT! .. Now tell a trusted friend. It is easier, for some reason, to come out to a friend you've known a few years than it is your family who has known you your whole life. Use this as a practice run for your parents... Now think about HOW you will tell them. The where and when. Will you tell mom first and then dad? Or will you do it over dinner like an announcement? Maybe have a sibling lay the ground work of telling them and then all you have to do is confirm it later? It is ALL your decision. What YOU are comfortable with. I'm so glad you are choosing to show the world who you are. This is a very vulnerable thing to do and I want to welcome you to this beautiful LGBTQ+ community.
Profile: Olweg
Olweg
July 1st, 2018 9:08pm
Some people are heterosexual. Other are homosexual. It's not any more a choice than being heterosexual. It's not a disease or a perversion, it's just a bit less common than heterosexuality. And most importantly : it's not about sex, but about love. (or at least, as much as heterosexuality is :p). Attraction is like a spectrum : it can evolve in one's life, and it can stay the same all one's life.
Profile: flightlessRoss
flightlessRoss
July 1st, 2018 7:40am
explain what it means first, then explain how you feel about it and how its something you cant just choose
Profile: ephender
ephender
May 16th, 2018 4:11am
This is a hard one- one that doesn't really have a universal answer. If your goal is to explain homosexuality for the purpose of just explaining sexuality- you can direct them to the American Psychological Association or the American Psychiatric Association to show that homosexual is a natural variant of human sexuality. In contrast, if this is about "coming out". You have to always prioritize your safety. As a queer person- you will always be "coming out" for the rest of your life- at work, at school, etc. But WHEN and HOW you do it is YOUR choice. I recommend coming out ONLY if you feel as though it is safe to do. Have a back up plan incase things do not go as you would like them. Join our LGBT support group, or our community group for inspiration and ideas. Most of all- be proud who you are- because you are special- you have self worth- you matter. GOOD LUCK!
Anonymous
May 13th, 2018 10:40am
Sometimes very simple terms is the easiest, especially for people who don't really understand the concept. Basically describe as what they are used to, but with people of the same gender. It's exactly the same story, just with different characters.
Profile: empathicSnowflake61
empathicSnowflake61
July 1st, 2018 5:17am
Maybe tell them that it's the same kind of love that heterosexuals have for each other, just for the same gender
Profile: iman2002
iman2002
July 12th, 2018 11:31am
Homosexuality is when a the same genders are attracted towards each other. They feel the physical attraction too.
Profile: absentveins
absentveins
December 13th, 2017 7:13pm
This can definitely be a hard subject to bring up if you feel like your parents won't accept you for who you are but the number one thing I will tell you is that they will love you no matter what. At first, they can be ignorant. They can be mad or be upset but that's simply because they are uneducated about what you are telling them. They probably weren't expecting that. They might be confused and unsure of what to tell you but never forget that they love you. You need to educate them about your sexuality so they can get a better understanding. When I told my parents, I was sitting at the kitchen table talking about my mental health because my girlfriend's mom told them I was depressed. I was so scared, and I knew I had to pour all of the things on my shoulders at once. My mom told me that even if I was gay, I could tell her because she'd still support me. So I told her and I started crying. My mom was very proud of me and hugged me. That was my experience, and I hope yours will be as amazing as mine was. If they don't support you after all of that, always know that I will and so much more people will.