GenQ - For the not so straight individual

The holidays are a great time to sit by the fire with that cup of hot cocoa. Are you wearing that sweater that your grandma got you? I bet your thinking about your kid sister and her perfect boyfriend. Or you're older brother and his perfect wife and their perfect kids. You wake up ever day wondering if your life will ever be perceived as perfect?

Define accepted. Remember how hard it was to come out to your family? For most of us we thought our life was going to end instantly. We waited for that perfect moment. Bringing home your boyfriend or girlfriend for the holidays is no different. Never let what is considered normal or accepted get you down. Your little sister and her boyfriend may not get as many looks as you and your girlfriend. And your older brother and his wife were able to get married, while you and your boyfriend of ten years are not. That might not happen now, but we should hopefully see it in our lifetime.

Now when it comes to Mom and Dad, they love you regardless. However I can still sense your frustrations. My girlfriend and I attend a lot of family functions together. And both of our families warn us every time. We are often told to keep our distance and not make it obvious. Interesting! So I finally "come out" yet I'm still being told to hide. And both of us come from families where the straight siblings are bowed down to. Both of our parents are cool with our sexuality, they just don't want us kissing under that mistletoe.

The moral of the story, is not to stress. Family will always be family, in good and bad. You may not be able to hold your partner's hand or kiss them openly, but at least your family knows they are your partner. Because even the worst holiday celebration, is not as bad as still being in the closet!