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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsComing out.
My significant other died last month. 30 years.
Coming out as a lesbian was not easy for me. My parents, who I love, were very hurtful and judgmental about it. They still seem very ashamed of me. They offered, and offer, no support whatsoever. Your typical MAGA, conservative Catholics. They have pretty much ghosted themselves from my world. That totally sucks. And the death of my loved one sucks. One day, far too late in my life, I came to the realization that I need to be who I am. I probably went a little over the top with being so visible about it. Anti-war demonstrations, pro-choice events, gay pride - I was, and still am, totally invested in these issues. To anyone thinking of coming out, please do. It can be difficult and hard but, ultimately, it is very liberating.
MOMFUDSKI
(5,831 posts)your family. I dont understand parents being like yours. Happy that you are living your authentic life! My BIL had the same situation with my husbands parents. It was religion. I didnt like seeing that. You were loved and are loved and understood on DU. Thanks for sharing.
nocoincidences
(2,237 posts)I had that happen in 2004 and I still think about her every day, and dream about her so often.
Your parents should be embarrassed about shunning you, and when their nasty tempered Catholic God calls them to account for their un-christian behavior, they will finally "get it".
The_REAL_Ecumenist
(730 posts)Deuxcents
(16,460 posts)I do know the pain of losing the support of family members for the choices I made but being able to be and live my life is empowering and I hope you find that a good comfort for you, too.
MontanaMama
(23,369 posts)From my perspective, you can never be over the top being who you are. You are allowed to exist and take up space. I'm thinking of you. I know these are hard hard days.
Kath2
(3,089 posts)My family has never accepted my politics or my lifestyle. I get it. I don't like theirs, either. Yes, I am going to hell because of love in their narrow minded and bigoted perspective. For them to treat me this shitty in the darkest time of my life is something I never expected, even from them. Surely an eye-opening experience in the worst way.
I never would have thought I would get more support in my grief from DU than my own family. Blows my mind and really makes me so sad.
Irish_Dem
(48,229 posts)Maybe that was not your intent, but that is what I see Kath.
Be your own person, your parents are stuck in their own sick and sad reality.
It is their loss. They are missing out on a wonderful child.
I have close family members who are LGBT, I love them and their spouses so much.
I consider myself to be so lucky to have them close to me.
I hope you find kindred spirits in your pursuits.
sheshe2
(84,105 posts)You enjoyed thirty years of living life with the one that you loved. That is wonderful despite your parents attitude.
Blessing to you.
Kath2
(3,089 posts)Blessings, peace and much love to you, also.
Grumpy Old Guy
(3,190 posts)irisblue
(33,069 posts)Aristus
(66,537 posts)You have people here who care about you.
Hekate
(91,060 posts)and my your loved ones name be a blessing.
Kath2
(3,089 posts)It doesn't get any easier. It sucks. This society does not know how to give people space and let them grieve in peace. I have spent more damn time dealing with insurance companies, various agencies and businesses than I have mourning my loved one. I think having a very non-supportive family makes it all even worse. Her family was also totally non-supportive. Her name is a blessing and I wouldn't change a thing regardless of how painful this is. Thank you, Hekate.
Hope22
(1,912 posts)Your story is an amazing example of following heart. My heart goes out to you. 💗💗🙏🏼💐
Hoosier_Progressiv
(36 posts)As a non-practicing Catholic, I abhor such behavior. May you always have the support and love you need. Your parents do not realize what they are missing out on in this life, without you.
Trueblue Texan
(2,454 posts)I wish there were words that helped but please know I am sending you kind thoughts and wishes for healing and peace to embrace you.
AverageOldGuy
(1,573 posts)And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
-- Quoted from an old forgotten 16th Century playwright.
Sounds to me as though you have been true to yourself.
Niagara
(7,778 posts)I'm sorry to hear about your loss, Kath2.
When my daughter came out, she had my full support. Her father kept texting me and was complaining about it. I basically said, "Put your big boys pants on, accept it and support our daughter."
It shut him up about it.
Your daughter is so blessed to have your love and support. So glad that you stood your ground and did what is right.
Niagara
(7,778 posts)I had in-laws that called me to harass me about it when the beans were spilled.
I flat out told my in laws that I would never abandon or disown my daughter. They're also MAGAts, I told them at least my daughter didn't have 26 sexual assault accusations charges against her and hung up on them.
littlemissmartypants
(22,899 posts)❤️
calimary
(81,612 posts)Whether we're gay or straight, we're WITH YA!!!
niyad
(114,018 posts)Your DU family is here for you, lean as hard as you need.
Kath2
(3,089 posts)I know we normally cross paths on the pro-choice and feminist forums. They are causes that my SO and I embraced totally.
The DU community has been wonderful and gives me much hope.
Take care. Peace always.
LoisB
(7,259 posts)Hopefully, one day (soon) your parents and all others who judge will get over themselves and just love and support their children.
TomSlick
(11,154 posts)I am also sorry that your parents do not accept you for being yourself.
To your own self be true. Your DU family is here for you.
democrank
(11,116 posts)Were here for you.
SYFROYH
(34,186 posts)usonian
(10,012 posts)We're all equally human, and we're all different.
That is the great beauty of life.
If we were all the same, the universe would be a meaningless place.
And wouldn't exist. (take it from a physics grad)
It obviously delights in our differences.
🪷 Peace 🪷
barbtries
(28,825 posts)all your losses.
For your own family to still, after 30 years, treat you really shitty because you have a same-sex partner is really unforgivable to me. Very hard for me to wrap my mind around it.
barbtries
(28,825 posts)they're straight up bigots. sadly, toxic for you. My oldest brother falls in that camp. I wonder how he'll react when he finds out my granddaughter has a girlfriend. It should be a nothing burger, right? If she's happy I'm happy for her! Anyhow, we live across the country from each other so I keep a distance without doing any formal cutting of the cord.
Are you getting everything you need right now? I've found grief counseling very helpful. reach out any time.
Fla Dem
(23,908 posts)Last edited Tue Apr 30, 2024, 03:02 PM - Edit history (2)
It is so disheartening to hear how your own parents have shut you out of their lives.
I hope in the days, weeks and years ahead you will find peace and loving support from others who are or will be in your life.
LLC
(18 posts)MLAA
(17,376 posts)Goddessartist
(1,893 posts)Holding you in my heart ❤️
My youngest came out to me at 11.
Sending love and hugs.
Kath2
(3,089 posts)It took me so much longer to come out.
So wonderful that your youngest was able to do it at that age. Peace.
Doodley
(9,179 posts)PittBlue
(4,231 posts)So very sorry for your loss and how your parents have reacted to you. Once again religion rears its ugly head. Know that you are supported by many, many people.
AmBlue
(3,136 posts)May you, in time, find peace and comfort in your memorie. I so admire your strength, and support you in being true to yourself.
flying_wahini
(6,724 posts)My condolences to you over the loss of your SO. This is a new chapter for you, I hope you embrace it
as a new horizon for exploration! Hugs your way.
Kath2
(3,089 posts)Thank you. I hope I can get over the pain and explore new possibilities. I am nowhere near that yet. I'm still in a daze over it.
Laurelin
(541 posts)I hope you find peace and memories of shared love and joy, but I know it will take time.
My daughter is married to a woman. I remember, before she came out (I thought her whole life she was a lesbian but it's not my place to label her), she had a group of lesbian friends who were disowned by their religious parents. It broke my heart that they lost their families because of who they are, and i honestly couldn't wrap my mind around the stupidity. But I never knew then, and still don't know, what to say except that your parents are idiots and I suspect they lost more than you did.
I'm impressed by your courage and grace and hope you'll find healing soon.
Bluethroughu
(5,211 posts)DownriverDem
(6,240 posts)I remember when Catholics were Dems. So sorry for your loss.
Sounds familiar. My parents did the same thing back in the 80s. They have mostly come around now, but man were those some tough years.
That said, there is no such thing as "over the top". You do not exist to conform to other people's expectations. Be you, that's all you can do!
Lem1951
(13 posts)So sorry for your loss! You have many unknown supporters.
58Sunliner
(4,432 posts)Fighting for basic human rights is never over the top. Good on you. You are a warrior.
CaptainTruth
(6,625 posts)FakeNoose
(32,922 posts)Condolences on the loss of your life partner.
cate94
(2,817 posts)I am sorry for your loss and the way your family is treating you. I grew up Catholic and was initially disowned for being a lesbian.
My wife and I have been together for 30 years and I cant imagine the pain of your loss. Combine that with your parents behavior and it could be devastating. Your strength is amazing! Keep standing tall and know that we are with you.
patphil
(6,266 posts)Assuming you believe in heaven, there is something you should know.
There is no sex on any of the levels of Heaven, because it isn't needed; Angels are eternal.
Sex only exists to continue a species on 3D earth.
The main way of interactions in Heaven is through love, not sex.
We, as Angels, want to experience 3D life because of it's unique challenges, and opportunities.
Basically we are here to learn the lessons of love. This is necessary for our spiritual growth so we can at some point graduate to the next level of Heaven; the Archangelic level.
So we come down here, breath a soul into a newborn baby to link our Angelic self with the physical body, and start to experience 3D life.
Now, here's the big point. As Angels, we have no problem with male-male, or female-female love.
It has no reference point in Heaven, since there aren't separate sexes in Heaven.
It's only down here that some of us get all freaked out about it.
God doesn't care one way or the other about sexual preferences in the 3D world since it isn't part of our spiritual lives. For God, love is love.
The sin isn't homosexuality. The sin is in the judgement and punishment that some people inflict on those who live a homosexual lifestyle. The sin is in their hate, which is the opposite of love.
These people are choosing to work with the forces of darkness, i.e. hate, to create fear, guilt, shame, and other dark emotions in the people who feel more normal, more whole, in a homosexual relationship.
I know it isn't easy for you to cope with this, but don't let the anger and hatred others throw at you block your ability to be a loving person, like the Angel you actually are.
TdeV
(159 posts)Joinfortmill
(14,534 posts)Very sorry for your loss.
demigoddess
(6,645 posts)but there are lots of people out here who are not prejudiced against gays.
bleedingulcers
(50 posts)You're very brave, and I see you and support you in everything you do!
much love,
Bleeding
stage left
(2,967 posts)Your courage is palpable. I hope you have friends, besides the ones on this page, to lean on. Sometimes your friends are your family.
livetohike
(22,173 posts)comfort you and bring smiles. May your SO rest in peace.
SWBTATTReg
(22,244 posts)they're the ones suffering when in fact, it's you. They need to grow up, and act like adults.
Be strong. Stand up for yourself, and be you.
greatauntoftriplets
(175,777 posts)mountain grammy
(26,677 posts)May she rest in peace.
CrispyQ
(36,586 posts)I'm sorry your family wasn't more supportive but you're right you have to be true to yourself.
yup coming out is hard . my mum knew all the way along. i didnt tell my right wing wacko dad at all.
FemDemERA
(234 posts)May the memories of time spent together give some comfort to you in the coming months. Try to take a few minutes each day for a breather from the stressors; a walk, some music, quiet reflection, let the tears flow, whatever works for you.
KPN
(15,684 posts)some loving vibes your way from me a proud parent of a gay son.