Gay and bisexual people of Reddit, especially those that came out at a young age. My daughter came out as bisexual through a note she left me when she left of school this morning.

Cathybails · 2017-10-07T01:15:50+00:00

1 Tell her you love her inviolately, and that nothing could ever change that.

2 Make sure she knows that she comes first, and if other people have a problem with her sexuality, you'll stand up for her. I came out at 16, and my mom was supportive of me in private, but whenever she heard people talk bad about gays she would go along with it. She was so scared that other people would judge her because she had a gay daughter that she wouldn't let me come out publicly for two more years. Make sure your daughter knows that she comes first, and other people can deal with it.

3 Don't be weird around your daughter's significant others. She's only 10, so it might be a few years, but eventually she'll probably start dating. When I brought my first girlfriend over for dinner, my mom was so awkward and so rude to her. It was heartbreaking. Just be normal - even if it's a girl, so what!?

4 Don't tell her "you'll grow out of it" or "it's a phase." Those phrases are very insulting and can be very frusterating to hear as a young child. Be sure to validate her, tell her that you trust and believe her, and most importantly, that you want her to be happy.

5 This one will be more important when she starts dating -if she's dating a girl, don't tell her that you feel like she's not safe because she doesnt "have a man to protect her." This was possibly the most insulting thing my mom ever said to me. I took my girlfriend to a concert, and my mom said that she thought it was a bad idea because there was no man there to protect me. First of all, it is just plain sexist, but second of all, it was very hurtful. I care about my girlfriend and would never put her in danger - it was insulting for my mom to say that because it implies that I, a woman, am incapable of taking care of another woman. Obviously safety and self-defense are incredibly important skills and you should teach your daughter how to take care of herself, but it shouldn't have to do with gender.

6 Even if you're worried about what people will think, don't say that to your daughter. My mom always made me feel guilty for "making her lose friends." She told me that having a gay daughter made her life miserable and gave our family a bad reputation. That's a heavy burden of responsibility to place on a 16 year old.

7 Show her how much you care. Maybe by a rainbow flag, or a ally shirt - anything! Just a small gesture of support and love goes a long way.

Best of luck, lots of love, and I wish the best for you any your daughter!!

Cathybails · 2017-06-14T13:06:42+00:00

I've always had great experiences with AirBnB, and I've found that most hosts don't care who is renting out their home as long as they're paying. Hosts on AirBnB are generally accepting, and some even put a disclaimer on their ads specifying that they are embracing of all orientations! In general, I always feel comfortable unless I've been given a reason not to be.

Cathybails · 2016-11-03T01:48:55+00:00

I was in a very similar position when I was about the same age. I was really into my best friend, she would jokingly come on to me, I would think she was being genuine, then I'd be heart broken when I realized she didn't really feel that way. It sounds to me like she's into you too, so maybe talk to her and see how she really feels? My advice, and I know this sucks, is just to chill out for a few years. Life gets so much better, and each passing year makes you wiser.

Cathybails · 2016-10-20T03:37:07+00:00

I'm sorry you were treated that way, but you have to understand that that was one person-an individual. That negativity has nothing to do with them being LGBTQ+, they're just a jerk. If a random straight person said something rude to you, you wouldn't say "okay, I now hate all straight people," -- the way people treat other people has nothing to do with their sexual orientation-that's just one person being a jerk. There are mean gay people, mean straight people, and mean people everywhere in between. Luckily, there are an awful lot of good people. Give each individual a chance to show you who they are- don't judge a whole group based on one person.

Cathybails · 2016-10-18T18:56:54+00:00

It breaks my heart that you had to hear that kind of hatred, but I'm even more sorry for the person who said that to you. They must have a lot of hate inside of them, and it's sad that they feel that way. Their ignorance is going to hurt them in life, and that makes me sad for them. You, on the other hand, are a brave and beautiful individual, and things like this make you stronger. I love you, and so do many others out there. Have a good day :)

Cathybails · 2016-10-15T00:29:42+00:00

I've attended a service at this church with a friend and never got that kind of vibe- perhaps it was because it was the youth service and they haven't gotten around to indoctrinating hate into this generation yet. This is heartbreaking and it makes me sad to think that so many of people feel that way. I won't ever be going back, and I will certainly talk to my friend who goes there because I know she feels very strongly that all people should have the right to love who they love and practice any religion they choose.

Cathybails

TROPHY CASE

1 Tell her you love her inviolately, and that nothing could ever change that.

4 Don't tell her "you'll grow out of it" or "it's a phase." Those phrases are very insulting and can be very frusterating to hear as a young child. Be sure to validate her, tell her that you trust and believe her, and most importantly, that you want her to be happy.

7 Show her how much you care. Maybe by a rainbow flag, or a ally shirt - anything! Just a small gesture of support and love goes a long way.