[Artchic528]

Been a while since I last posted, but here goes.

I recently just got out of a relationship with a guy, so now I'm single. The thing is, during the end of the relationship, I kept on thinking what it would be like to have a relationship with a woman. The idea of being fully intimate with a woman excites me in many ways and I've progressively felt more and more compelled to try it.

I guess I should add that I'm a woman myself and though I've long since been accepting of my bisexuality, I've never been in a relationship with a woman before. The most I've ever did with the same gender was kiss a childhood friend when I was in second grade. It was my first kiss and something I still think about to this day.

There is a part of me compelled to get involved with a woman because I can go places and partake in PDA as a way to tell the naysayers that I'm who I am and damn well proud of it.

So, what's the problem you may ask? My parents. I live at home with them and though I know my mother would be more than accepting of my lifestyle, my father is more or less one of those conservative types. He hasn't said anything offensive about the LGBT community that I know of, but he tends to see things in a conservative light and holds his faith close to him. Did I also mention he's the most bull headed, stubborn man this side of the Mississippi? I swear, you could argue with him till you're blue in the face and still you'd get nowhere.

I guess I'm too afraid to come out to him for fear of some extremely negative reaction, in a nutshell. I'm just afraid of him not wanting me to stay in the house anymore, and since I have no place else to go, I'd be living on the streets. Or worse.

What should I do? I realize I'm rambling on and on here, and this post is fast becoming an increasingly huge block of text. For that I do apologize. I'm just conflicted here and would like some input.

I'm inclined to call my therapist and schedule a more immediate appointment to talk about this issue, but in the meantime, I'm journaling about this subject matter to clear my congested thoughts.

[Webgoji]

That's a tough situation. I can completely understand your reservations considering you are living with your parents and, due to this, their reaction is important. Personally, I think finding a way to talk to them about it would be an important first step. Normally I would say otherwise, but since you live under their roof, the situation is a little different.

Unfortunately, it's just not something I've dealt with. Your therapist might be able to give you assistance in how to approach your father regarding your sexual orientation.

[smoothielover]

Hey there Artchic! It's funny, I am in the same situation although I don't live with my parents anymore. I came out to them when I was in the early years of high school as bisexual and they simply brushed it off as a phase which was really disheartening to have your parents scoff at your valid feelings. So now I'm in a place where I feel like I have to come out again since I just separated from my boyfriend and want to be with women now, although my parents have said they support me in my life whatever I choose as long as I'm happy and healthy. It's still scary! I'm actually more worried about my brother judging me than my parents.

Anyway, since you're afraid they might kick you out and if you are planning on living with them for a while, you don't have to come out to them! If you want you can just wait till you move out if you feel compelled to come out to them or you can take a leap of faith. I know it can be really hard, especially for us bisexuals since people(even gay or lesbians) can scoff at us because we aren't "choosing a side". But people forget that sexuality is a whole beautiful spectrum! How cool is it that we are not just black and white? Just know you are not alone in your struggle and I support you in whatever you decide to do! Maybe if you plan on telling them, get a back-up place to stay just in case?

How did your dad react to same-sex married being legalized? If he didn't react badly, he may not react badly to you being bisexual. Or if you don't know how he reacted, ask him how he felt about it and go from there? Hope this helps! Also, therapists are always a great tool to help with conflicted minds...

[smoothielover]

Here's a good post from an amazing website called Everyday Feminism talking about being in the closet, check it out! I hope you find some relief!
Dealing with the Stress of Being in the Closet ? Everyday Feminism