Pepsiholic,

I'm sorry that your family isn't supportive to you. Their attitudes do sound judgmental and invalidating to me.

Imo, what's important is your happiness and satisfaction with life. I'd advise you to have a heart to heart talk with family members who feel more supportive and open. Tell them how you feel ~ that you feel as though the family isn't supporting your decisions to live a different life. It hurts your feelings, and you wish that you could come up with ways to work through these differences of opinion with the family. Does this person (or people) have any ideas to help you?

Regarding your grandmother's comments, it's possible that she simply loves and misses you. In my vast experience with the elderly, they often become very lonely in that stage of life. Many feel as though everything that they love so much is leaving them. It's a very difficult phase of life. So, I'd give her the benefit of the doubt ~ and thank her for wanting to remain close with you. Perhaps you could send letters to her once a month (or whatever), updating her on your life & asking what's happening in hers. Showing interest in her means so much!

There is a support community on this site, in case you haven't spotted it yet, aimed towards gay people & those who love them. Perhaps you could find some very helpful support and understanding in that forum.

Very best wishes to you!