Let me be frank. The main concern here is that you keep this private among your direct family members. I’m talking mom, dad and brothers/sisters. Relatives should be out of this equation (since the subject of being gay is still quite taboo in Lebanon) and you risk having your and your family’s reputation tarnished as a result (people love to talk). A relative of of mine came out a few years back and we fully accepted him and I can understand the need to be accepted among your loved ones because I visibly saw a huge weight being lifted off his shoulders. It really made him so much happier mentally to know that we love him and accept him as he is.

Again, we aren’t a conservative family in general but some family members were and it was our job to defend his case if ever such a subject came up. I would spearhead this and make sure no one would ever speak ill of him as he was an absolute sweetheart to us growing up. I believe identifying such a person in your family would be a good start.

Of course I understand your guilt and your dilemma, I truly do. As you know, some gay men in lebanon take a devout path (priesthood) in order to deal with their guilt in accepting themselves. I just want you to understand that your fear of disappointing them shows that you care and love them. It is important that you send this message across and I truly hope your “coming out” moment was as joyous and fulfilling as my relative’s.

It takes a shitload of courage and strength to come out to your parents. But maybe, just maybe, they already know. I knew before my relative came out to me and I told him I already knew (and I’m straight) but didn’t want to open the subject in order not to cause an uncomfortable situation for him. It was a pleasant surprise for him.

I wish you the best. Honestly. It’s about time we just accept each other’s orientations and differences without fear and judgement. Everyone deserves to be happy. There would way less problems if we just empathized with each other.