Rainbow Counsellor Lisa Michelle is here to help with your problems.
Q My older sister came out to our parents last week. I overheard her telling them and they have seemed sad and distant since. I didn’t even know she was lesbian. My problem is that I have been wanting to come out to them myself for the last year, and I’ve been getting close to telling them, but now how can I tell them their other daughter is lesbian too?
A I feel for you – certainly a tricky a situation to be in. Take heart…not only are the Topp Twins lesbian but their brother is gay too! This just confirms that it is a nature-based reality for some of us – we were born this way! Allow your parents some time to adjust to your sister’s news. Send educational GLBTIQ info their way. Have a talk with your sister and let her know she has your support, and that you need hers too. Be gentle on your parents, and when you do decide to come out, you can assure them you’ve had it on the books for a while but your sister beat you to it. Sing them Untouchable Girls and remind them that you love them unconditionally too, despite their orientation.
If you have an issue you would like Lisa to talk about in express, email and let her know at ask@gayexpress.co.nz
Article | Lisa Michelle
Lisa Michelle is a Chaplain and Counsellor for the GLBT Community, working with both Rainbow Youth and OUTLine NZ as an independent consultant and also on the board of OUTLine.
