This is kinda long, sorry... Anyone else dread the holidays because their homophobic, racist, and down right discriminative extended family comes to visit only during those times? It doesn't even matter what holiday for my family either. Christmas, New Years, Easter, even high school graduations! They sit on their asses and talk about other people they believe are beneath them. Don't get me wrong, they are my family and I love them, but I just can't stand being around them! Especially when they get on the subject of gays. Being in the military, I was so excited when the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy was lifted! I could finally be who I am anywhere I wanted to be. Before that, I was forced to stay closeted. It was pure torture for me. During my cousins high school graduation they were asking me how everything in the Army is going and out of nowhere they get on the subject of DADT and gays. My grandmother was convinced that they were going to make us start promoting homosexuality and wear rainbow ribbons on all our uniforms. There is in fact a rainbow ribbon on the Army Service Uniform/Dress Uniform but that is the Army Service Ribbon, it's not a "HEY LOOK AT ME I'M GAY/LESBIAN BE LIKE ME Ribbon." My grandmother and Step Great Grandmother seem to think that every gay, lesbian, and bisexual flaunt who they are and try to "infect" others. But in reality isn't that what they are doing to us? Yes, it's true that I am proud of who I am, and I'll tell people who I am, but I'm not going to force them to be like me. And I don't want to be forced to be straight either. They don't seem to get the idea in their heads that everyone is going to love who they love. And love has no concept of gender. I'm constantly getting into arguments with my family (mainly grandmothers) about homosexuality and a few times I had to leave the room. I'm out to my friends and immediate family (mom, dad, sister), they don't seem to have a problem with me, but I absolutely cannot come out to my extended family. I've actually had nightmares about coming out to them and would only do it with my girl by my side. Does anyone else have to deal with the same BS during holidays as I do?
yeah, i'm out to my immediate family also, i have never came out to my extended family. i couldn't care less if they know though, because i only see them on the holidays. maybe if they knew, they would shut up about it.
I feel for you, slammacow. I guess most gays and lesbians have to deal with this at some time or another; and how easy or hard it is depends upon how easygoing and open minded their family are. None of my immediate family have any problems with my sexuality, so I've not got any really useful insights to offer you. But I just want to say I hope it doesn't get you down too much. Big hug. Becky
