Dear MTS Times, 

 I’m gay. I’ve know I was gay for as long as I can remember. I’m not ashamed of who I am, but I’m really nervous to come out to my family. I know my family loves me and I’m pretty sure they’d support me, but part of me feels like they’ll be really sad and I don’t want to hurt them. Plus, even though my parents are pretty open, I have some aunts and uncles that are extremely conservative and I’m worried that my parents will try to hide my sexuality from the rest of the family. I just want to be myself and be accepted. What should I do?

Sincerely, Someone Wanting Acceptance 

Honestly, I am not sure what to tell you because I would be scared too. One thing that I will tell you is that I am happy for you that you can recognize how you feel and that you want to be yourself when you are around people. At the end of the day, you should do what is right for you. I think you should come out to your parents, friends, etc. Don’t risk your happiness over other people. People who want to be in your life will accept you how you are. So you should do what you gotta do!

-Berenice Pelais Garcia

I would recommend that you to tell your parents no matter how nervous you may be. I know you’re afraid that they’ll tell the rest of your family and you’re scared that not all your family will accept you for who are, especially your aunts and uncles, but not everyone will accept you for who are in life. Some will only accept a certain part of you, others will accept you for YOU, and unfortunately others won’t accept you at all. You have to learn to accept that, and go with the people who choose every part of you and not just some parts of you.

– Katie Dominguez Rosas

The only thing you can do is come out to your parents. You already know that they are very supportive. I have a gay friend and he also had trouble coming out to his parents. When you tell them, yes, they are going to be surprised and ask you are you sure. It doesn’t matter if your uncle and aunts don’t support you, it only matters that your parents do. Just be yourself! There are going to be people who judge you, but it’s your job to not let that get to you.

-Tanaya Key