So. Say you're a twenty-something queer person living in a rather rural and conservative area. You don't know of any organizations in your area devoted to or even friendly towards gay people. You're also thinking of coming out to your family, but are worried they will react badly (possibly violently.)

What do you do? How do you find gay and gay-friendly organizations in your area, and how much help can you count on from them if your family reacts in the worst possible way? Would you be better off counting on the help of friends in the know?

Any help at all will be appreciated-I'm at my wit's end.

Edit: Although if you're just going to tell me that homosexuality is wrong, or a disease, could you please refrain from commenting? Any other time I would be glad to debate with you, but not now. Thanks.

Look on the internet. I know in small minded communities for their own saftey they don't advertise too openly because they may feel negative backlash so they post online. No ill feelings that way as most people who get upset by homosexuality don't go looking for it.

But I'd rely on friends far more because you know them and that they'll be there. *huggles* I wish you the best of luck!

*hugs* Thank you.

I'd been doing some searching on Google earlier today, but hadn't had any luck finding anything within an hour of me. And then I got frustrated and came here. Guess I need to stop being silly and widen my net.

This would all be so much simpler if I could drive.

That IS a good question.

Well. Be confident in your sexuality, and be strong in what you believe.

If you want to support gay/lesbian groups, then feel free to do so without worry of surrounding critisism. If you yourself are not homosexual, then you can confidentially tell that to your friends/family. You may be mocked...but honestly, unless you do things 110% covert, they'll find out anyways.

And yes. Driving always helps. =P

*huggles* I know the feling everywhere used to be an hours drive from me when I live rural. Now I'm a city gal :P

Hmmm maybe you need to narrow the field if you're getting a lot of sites comming back then narrow it down for closer ones. I'd help but I'm sure you don't want to tell me where you live so maybe try specifying a distance you can travel? Or actually in town? and cut off all of those nearby but too far.

Agreed. =3 Try the internet, never come out if you're afraid to do such, because you're probably not ready. =D Which is fine, do it when you know you're comfortable with it, because of your fears, I can't balme you for waiting.

Yes, I would count on the friends who know and are accepting of it. x3

If you are finding it really hard getting any support maybe join an online group that support what you are going through. You might even meet people online that are near your area and then you maybe able to meet in real life and have your own support group that way. I know what its like to receive discrimination from family and friends, I am bi-sexual and have come out to my family, my nana disowned me, my mother doesn't believe me and yeah its not fun. I do really wish you luck in finding the support and friendship that you are seeking, I hope your family takes it as best as they can and can open their hearts to you still.

Well does your parents need to know your sexuality?
Don't you think it might be better keeping it a secret then anything else, especially if it might turn violent if you tell them? o.o;
I wouldn't care if any of my family members were gay at all. Because it's their life and well they can do whatever they want.

I trust my friend more then my family because my friends are easier to talk to.
My family has done things I can never forgive.

Just search online for a bit and wait on telling your parents.

I don't know. I have never been in this situation. But from a mother's point of view, if my son told me he was gay, I would accept him and love him. He is my son and nothing can change that.

Your parents are your parents. It may go against what they believe, but you are their child, and theoretically, they should love you no matter what for that fact alone.

My down the street neighbor, who is like my little brother just came out to his family. His mom was shocked about it, but is fine with it. His other family on his dad side is scandalized, but is learning to accept it. His dad isn't taking it too good, but he didn't get violent. So, maybe you will be ok?

Best of luck to you.

Come out when you are ready. It will be hard, but a tip that helped my baby brother is I went with him. Have someone outside the family that knows and supports you *helps if the opposite sex a bit, or maybe your partner* help break the news to your family. I could have helped better, but at the family sit down Perry called, he couldn't get it out. They all thought we where planning on getting married. *which being very different in color in the racist section they live in, they where more up in arms about the possiblity of us getting married than him being gay.* And me being blunt about it helped too.

I hope I could be some help.

i hate to say it,
but maybe its better to keep your silence..for now.