Who first?

It's hard to predict how people are will react when you come out to them. Telling parents can be the biggest challenge so it may be a good idea to tell a friend you trust first. If your parents don't accept your sexuality straight away you can get support from your friend. If you only want to tell your friend for now be sure to let them know that you don’t want them to tell anyone else until you are ready.

You could go to a youth group for gay people. It may be a good idea to come out to a worker at a group first, just so you can get used to talking about your sexuality and the issues involved. The workers will be friendly and will be able to offer you support and advice.

If you come out to your parents and they react badly, they can get support from groups around the country that are run by parents of lesbians and gay men. They will be able to offer your parents support and information on coming to terms with your sexuality. You can find their addresses by clicking here.

This article was last reviewed on: 27/10/11
Date due for next review: 27/10/13