Try looking at yourself in the mirror and saying “I am bisexual. " If that makes you feel confident and happy, great. If it makes you nervous, keep trying until it feels more comfortable. Try coming out to a friend first. This will help you get used to talking about being bisexual. Coming out can take up a lot of emotional energy. Make sure you feel confident in who you are before you decide to have a potentially tough talk.

If you are out to another relative, give them a heads up that you are going to talk to your parents. They might have some helpful advice on how to handle the discussion. Consider asking someone in your support system to be there with you for backup and support when you come out to your parents.

Take a minute to jot down your reasons. They might be “I’m proud of who I am” or “I am ready to live openly”.

If possible, choose a time when the emotional climate at home is pretty calm. You want your parents to be able to focus on you. Try asking if you can talk after dinner. A weekend might also be a good time for this important conversation.

If you aren’t sure how your parents view bisexuality, watch some TV shows or movies that feature bisexual situations or people. Ask your parents about their opinions on what you are watching to help gauge their views before you come out. Let a close friend know when you will be having the conversation. If you think it’s necessary, say something like “I’m not sure how this talk will go. Can I stay at your house if I need to?”[2] X Expert Source Lauren Urban, LCSWLicensed Psychotherapist Expert Interview. 3 September 2018. Make sure you have your own money if there is a chance your parents might kick you out of the house.

For example, you could say, “Mom, I want you to know that I am bisexual. I’m comfortable with who I am, and I hope you can be, too. ”

“Are you sure?” “Why would you make this choice?” “Don’t you think you’ll grow out of this?”

Gather some pamphlets from your local LGBT community center. You can also ask for some informational material from your campus LGBT center if you are a student. Provide them with some good websites to check out. They’re more likely to be supportive if they are better informed.

Shock Anger Sadness Dismissal

You can say, “Please don’t insult me. I don’t deserve to be treated like that. ” You also have the right to shut down the conversation. Try saying, “This is not constructive. I’m going to take a break from this. ”

You can say, “I’m sorry you feel that way. I won’t pressure you, but I do hope you’ll change your mind. ”

Say, “We all seem tired. Could we talk about this again on Saturday?”

This doesn’t mean that you should let them treat you poorly. Remember to stick up for yourself.

Don’t forget to do things that make you happy. Listen to your favorite music, watch a funny show, or read a good book.