Thursday, March 02, 2006

Coming out to my kids

I was asked by another RSG, how I came out to my kids.

I only recently came out to my kids, within the past month. First I came out to DD#1, as she is the oldest, and I felt it was time. Because HG and I are very openly affectionate with eachother around the children, I decided last week to mention it to the little girls.

It was completely painless and without issue. I had DD#1 come up to my room while I was up there and lay on my bed with me. I asked her how she would feel about my dating someone. She said she was fine. I told her that I wanted to date HG. She said that was fine, that she liked HG. I asked her if it was weird to her that I was dating a woman; she said no. I told her that some day, someone might have an issue with it. She said that she didn't know why, but that we would deal with that if it happened. I told her that I had been figuring things out for myself for the past year or so. I said that I figured she probably wasn't surprised about what I was telling her; she said she wasn't.

The little girls were a little easier, but similar with simpler language. I told them that I loved HG; they said they knew that and they did too. I told them that some day someone might say to them that it was weird that I was with a woman instead of a man; they said, "why?" I said, because not every woman is with another woman, so some people think it's different. I told them that we would deal with that if we ever needed to.

That was it.

Now. My advice to my fellow Recovering Straight Girls is this. If you have kids, they probably know a lot more than you think that you do. It's important to be honest with them to their maturity level.

Experts advise that if you are changing your sexual preference or seemingly orientation, (meaning you lived as a heterosexual and are now planning on living as a homosexual,) you should "come out" to your children PRIOR to their going through their own puberty and questioning or wondering about their own sexual identity and/or orientation. I have no idea why this is but I would imagine that it has something to do with the raging fucking hormones and ideals that pre-teens and teenagers posses.

I'm glad that I was able to come out to my children at the ages that they are. They are open and accepting and willing to go with the flow. I'm sure this is also a testament to the way that XH and I have raised them to be open and affirming and accepting to all people; and that they feel secure and loved in their family, albeit a divorced family.

The most important prevalent fact is that they ARE loved and secure and cared for and now they have another person in their life that loves and cares for them and provides them security and comfort. As long as children are growing in an environment like that; they are usually fine with the details.

My children are always my first priority.
I am living my life, but I always consider their safety and well being and growth. I am a better person and a better mother because I am living the way that I need to live and they reap those benefits. They are cared for by both of their parents and loved very much by both of us. I love the way that HG loves and cares for them and I hope that someday XH will find someone who will do the same.

Don't put it off too long; don't live in the closet to your children. They will love you no matter what, give them a little credit. I'm sure my good friend Pissy will have something to add to this, as well as others who's parents came out to them.

That's the end of Ask RSG. Keep sending your questions, I'll keep answering.
Ciao y'all.

25 Comments:

Blogger the determined dieter said...

That's a sweet story, RSG. Amazing how homosexuality's so simple for kids, and so hard for adults. Now, on to my question. How to come out to one's parents (well, at least your mom). When you're almost 30 and still living with them. Cause I am facing that soon and I am NOT looking forward to it.

Thursday, March 02, 2006 10:23:00 PM  
Blogger Lee said...

good for you RSG...I think kids are pretty amazing at what they can process...our nieces and nephews have always been fine...some girls like girls some boys like boys :)

Friday, March 03, 2006 4:11:00 AM  
Blogger hemlock said...

I think people forget that children are taught to hate, they aren't born to hate. They see no problem with race or sexuality until they are told to have a problem with it.

Kids just want their parents to be happy. It's that simple.

Glad it went well for you.

Friday, March 03, 2006 5:26:00 AM  
Blogger Pissy Britches said...

Why weren't you around to tell my Daddy this years ago?
He waited until I was 19 years old to tell me he was gay.
He cried and he said he was ashamed and afraid I would hate him. It was sad for me b/c I would never hate him for any reason. He was so ashamed of it for so many years. I knew all along..way before he told me. He thought he had done a good job of covering it up for my whole life but nope..not so good. So, I'm just saying..listen to RSG when it comes to this advice. Don't wait till your kid is grown to tell them something they probably knew all along.

Friday, March 03, 2006 6:19:00 AM  
Blogger Katy Barzedor said...

Were you able to breathe a big sigh of relief after you'd talked to your girls and got the reaction you did?

I think a huge part of what made this so successful for you is that your girls already like HG. If you were dating some girl they couldn't stand (I know you wouldn't, but hypothetically), I wonder if their reaction would have been as positive. That is so fantastic that your girls and HG have a mutual love fest goin' on, too. This just means your girls have more family to love them.

Pissy, I don't think I knew before that your dad was gay - I need to stalk your archives better. So sad that he waited so long to tell you, but understandable that he was terrified you'd reject him.

Dammit, now I feel all mushy. Must go foreclose on some widows and orphans before I lose my evil touch...

Friday, March 03, 2006 6:40:00 AM  
Blogger Monogram Queen said...

GREAT story RSG, you are so intelligent and level-headed. At least that's how you come off on your blog. Very together lady! I am so happy you found HG and everything is going well for you and your loved ones.

Friday, March 03, 2006 6:46:00 AM  
Blogger Kami said...

You did a great job coming out to your girls. I love all of you!!!

Friday, March 03, 2006 7:11:00 AM  
Blogger Kathryn said...

Gena: Well, I would just say very matter of factly, "I'm not sure if you are aware, but I'm a lesbian." Just do it in conversation during dinner or something.

Coming out to my parents was even less of a big deal; they didn't care one bit.

Laurie: Thanks girl.

Lee: We've always raised them with that kind of attitude, but sometimes they still are taken back by things that they don't see every day.

Leafgirl:You are correct, children are taught to hate, and it's so sad.

Pissy: I knew that you would have something to say...thanks sweetie.

Bucky: Wow, what a heartfelt comment, sorry, I didn't mean to do that to you!

Patti: I hope that I am exactly the same in person as I am in my blog; I try to always be myself...what you see is what you get.

Kami: I love you too!

Friday, March 03, 2006 7:21:00 AM  
Blogger Sapphire said...

Thanks for sharing this RSG.

x

Friday, March 03, 2006 7:35:00 AM  
Blogger Deadly Female said...

I haven't been around much lately (my apologies) because things have been pretty bad and I have been an emotional train-wreck. But ~S~ pointed me in the direction of this post, for obvious reasons. Thank you RSG for making this post - it's something that I have to face in the not-too-distant future and your positive experience with telling your kids is something I aspire too. Thank you xx

Friday, March 03, 2006 8:13:00 AM  
Blogger Lori said...

Great post. I've found that kids are much more tuned into things that you think at times. And often are alot less wound up about certain issues. My eldest often says things like "Mommy, relax, it's not such a big deal" Which I both love and don't (when she's being more rational than me).

Friday, March 03, 2006 9:32:00 AM  
Blogger Kate Giovinco Photography said...

You are raising some wonderful children! They are so accepting of others what a great way to be!
Way to go!

Friday, March 03, 2006 10:24:00 AM  
Blogger Pissy Britches said...

Bucky..
Yes..honey pie..
Why do you think I call him GRAN SISSY on every post I make and why do you think he brings my daughter large colorful hats and necklaces and purses.
haha.
Well sometimes I do call him Paw Paw..that is his preference.
Not that he reads my blog..he doesn't..he has never used a computer and is 47 years old.

Friday, March 03, 2006 11:20:00 AM  
Blogger Katy Barzedor said...

Pissy - I will admit that when I saw you call him "Gran Sissy" I thought...well, I thought it was a southern kind of nickname that those of us north of the Mason/Dixon wouldn't comprehend. :)

But I guess "sissy" in Tennessee is the same as "sissy" in Michigan!

Friday, March 03, 2006 12:06:00 PM  
Blogger Pissy Britches said...

Yep..same thing here.
I did tell him the other day that he is called Gran Sissy on my blog. He found it quite funny.
We say lots of shit here that makes no sense..such as..
warshin powders (even it if it liquid detergent)
hose pipe (you would call it a garden hose or hose)
shoppin' buggy (shopping cart)
you get the picture.
But here..a sissy is a sissy...ain't no doubt about it.
haha

Friday, March 03, 2006 6:40:00 PM  
Blogger OldLady Of The Hills said...

I think it is wonderful that you came out to your kids and in such a terrific way...Honest and open communication...And, as you said, they know something already, anyway...don't you think we don't give children enough credit for what they see and feel? I also feel you are doing such a wonderful service for other people by sharing these things here on your blog...So very many people don't know what to do or say...this has got to be invaluable help to many people who come and read your blog...I admire you tremendously RSG...And also, I think it is great that your kids are loved by you, HG and XH, too...kids can't have too much love...at least that's my belief.

Saturday, March 04, 2006 2:31:00 AM  
Blogger Elizabeth said...

Sounds like you did a hell of a job. I love that it never even occurred to them that you might encounter shitheads later on. LOL

Saturday, March 04, 2006 12:43:00 PM  
Blogger Lucky Lum said...

That is so wonderful how accepting your children were to your news! Thank you for sharing your story... every time I come here I am completely amazed at what a wonderful, honest, put together person you are! And hot.
No wonder so many people love you!

Saturday, March 04, 2006 7:20:00 PM  
Blogger Random and Odd said...

YOU'RE GAY!????

I'm going to need therapy.

Saturday, March 04, 2006 9:49:00 PM  
Blogger arcane said...

Coming out to my kids was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I was so affraid they were going to end up hating me or something. And they didn't and life is so much better now..

Sunday, March 05, 2006 11:44:00 AM  
Blogger The Q said...

I agree...I think a lot of how your daughters reacted, has to do with how you raised them. With love and an open mind. You done good RSG and I know you'll continue to do so. Those girls are VERY lucky to have you as their Mom.

Sunday, March 05, 2006 6:33:00 PM  
Blogger Tammy said...

I am so very glad that your daughters were soo good about it. Clearly, they want their mom to be happy. And, it looks like she is!

Monday, March 06, 2006 7:09:00 AM  
Blogger Unbalanced said...

Thank you for sharing this story. I am an RSG also. I just came out to my oldest, she's almost 13, unfortunately I didn't figure all this out before she hit puberty. Damn the luck. She see's my girlfriend as the reason her father and I are not together.

I think I might have made a few mistakes in the last year. But I am putting it behind me and working on today.

My younger children are 5 and 3, at least they will grow up see me this way and it won't be a big bombshell for them. They love my girlfriend (maybe that can talk to the oldest, hmmmm)

Monday, March 06, 2006 2:37:00 PM  
Blogger Kathryn said...

Adrienne: If only the gay would rub off; what a nicer world it would be!!!!!

Wednesday, March 08, 2006 7:40:00 AM  
Blogger Pissy Britches said...

No shit..RSG..if gay would rub off..we would see some sissy's rubbin away.
haha.

Wednesday, March 08, 2006 11:13:00 AM  

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