Coming out of the closest as a teenager is rarely an easy journey. The teen years are filled with enough pressure and confusion to begin with, and coming out can be a challenge for the family relationships that a teen needs most.

Thoughts and feelings of hope, love and a desire for honesty mix with fears of rejection and persecution. Coming out can be scary, but it can also be a life-changing event and a freeing experience. Having supportive, understanding parents makes all the difference.

Getting Over the Shock
Most parents don't think about their children's sexuality and just assume they are straight. When a teenager comes out as a gay or lesbian, it can be shocking for a parent. The important question that many teenagers ask themselves before beginning the coming out journey is, "How will my parents react?"

Think about how you react to surprises in general, then remember that your teen is telling you something very important about himself. A negative reaction would be to act angry or hateful toward the teen. A positive reaction would be to show understanding and logical reasoning. Some parents may not like the announcement that their teen has made because it goes against their own beliefs. This is where understanding and heart-to-heart discussions can come in.

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