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Kath2

(3,192 posts)
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 04:40 PM Apr 2024

Coming out.

My significant other died last month. 30 years.

Coming out as a lesbian was not easy for me. My parents, who I love, were very hurtful and judgmental about it. They still seem very ashamed of me. They offered, and offer, no support whatsoever. Your typical MAGA, conservative Catholics. They have pretty much ghosted themselves from my world. That totally sucks. And the death of my loved one sucks. One day, far too late in my life, I came to the realization that I need to be who I am. I probably went a little over the top with being so visible about it. Anti-war demonstrations, pro-choice events, gay pride - I was, and still am, totally invested in these issues. To anyone thinking of coming out, please do. It can be difficult and hard but, ultimately, it is very liberating.

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Coming out. (Original Post) Kath2 Apr 2024 OP
(( Kath )) blm Apr 2024 #1
Sorry for a loss that huge. Your SO was MOMFUDSKI Apr 2024 #2
I'm so sorry about your partner dying. nocoincidences Apr 2024 #3
PREACH, nocoincidences, PREACH!! The_REAL_Ecumenist Apr 2024 #65
Condolences on the loss of your loved one ((💐)) Deuxcents Apr 2024 #4
Oh Kath2. I'm so very sorry for your loss. MontanaMama Apr 2024 #5
Thank you. Kath2 Apr 2024 #37
Your courage leaps out in your post. Irish_Dem Apr 2024 #6
I am so sorry for your loss, Kath. sheshe2 Apr 2024 #7
Thank you, sheshe2. Kath2 Apr 2024 #26
Sorry for your loss. Grumpy Old Guy Apr 2024 #8
I am sorry for your loss. Welcome Sister irisblue Apr 2024 #9
Straight, cisgender, middle-aged white guy in 100% solidarity with you. Aristus Apr 2024 #10
Kath, I am so sorry for your loss 💔 May you be surrounded by light and love forever... Hekate Apr 2024 #11
Almost 8 weeks. Kath2 Apr 2024 #30
Thinking of you and sending love. Hope22 Apr 2024 #12
Shame on your parents Hoosier_Progressiv Apr 2024 #13
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. Trueblue Texan Apr 2024 #14
"This, above all . . . " AverageOldGuy Apr 2024 #15
Rest in Paradise Kath2's SO. Niagara Apr 2024 #16
Very cool. Kath2 Apr 2024 #39
She's my daughter, I would never abandon or disown her. Niagara Apr 2024 #59
... littlemissmartypants Apr 2024 #17
Here's a BIG hug: (((((((((((((((((((( * )))))))))))))))))))) ! calimary Apr 2024 #18
I am so very sorry for the loss of your SO. Holding you in love and light. niyad Apr 2024 #19
Thank you so much, niyad. Kath2 Apr 2024 #34
I am so sorry for the loss of your significant other. LoisB Apr 2024 #20
I am so sorry for your loss. TomSlick Apr 2024 #21
So sorry, Kath2 democrank Apr 2024 #22
Peace and love to you. SYFROYH Apr 2024 #23
Joy has no labels attached to it, nor does sorrow. usonian Apr 2024 #24
I'm so sorry for your loss. barbtries Apr 2024 #25
Thank you. Kath2 Apr 2024 #38
it is unforgivable. barbtries Apr 2024 #67
I am so sorry you lost your partner of 30 years. A very difficult time in your life. Fla Dem Apr 2024 #27
My condolences to you LLC Apr 2024 #28
I'm so sorry for your loss and very proud of your courage. MLAA Apr 2024 #29
I'm so very sorry your love passed. Goddessartist Apr 2024 #31
Much appreciated. Kath2 Apr 2024 #32
I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you. Thank you for sharing and for being you. Doodley Apr 2024 #33
Sending you love and peace. PittBlue Apr 2024 #35
So very sorry for your loss AmBlue Apr 2024 #36
Good for you. Toxic parents coming into your life now would be such a drag. flying_wahini Apr 2024 #40
This is all so surreal. Kath2 Apr 2024 #41
Sending hugs and comfort your way Laurelin Apr 2024 #42
I'm sorry for your loss. Bluethroughu Apr 2024 #43
Catholic MAGAs DownriverDem Apr 2024 #44
Ugh Chi67 Apr 2024 #45
So sorry for your loss! You have many unknown supporters! Lem1951 Apr 2024 #46
So sorry for your loss. 58Sunliner Apr 2024 #47
I'm so sorry... CaptainTruth Apr 2024 #48
You have understanding and support from your DU family FakeNoose Apr 2024 #49
Kath, I am so very sorry cate94 Apr 2024 #50
Ok, Kath2, something to think about when you are feeling down. patphil Apr 2024 #51
Sorry to hear of your loss. TdeV Apr 2024 #52
Sometimes we need to make our own family. Joinfortmill Apr 2024 #53
condolences demigoddess Apr 2024 #54
Sending you lots of love bleedingulcers Apr 2024 #55
I'm so sorry for your loss. stage left Apr 2024 #56
I'm so sorry for your loss Kath2. May every good memory livetohike Apr 2024 #57
Gosh, I'm so sorry to hear losing your 30 year partner. That's very sad. As to your parents, move on. They act like SWBTATTReg Apr 2024 #58
I'm so sorry for the loss of your partner, and of your family. greatauntoftriplets Apr 2024 #60
I'm so sorry for your loss. mountain grammy Apr 2024 #61
My condolences on your loss. CrispyQ Apr 2024 #62
''' AllaN01Bear Apr 2024 #63
I'm so sorry for your loss FemDemERA Apr 2024 #64
So sorry for your loss Kath2. Sending KPN Apr 2024 #66
 

MOMFUDSKI

(7,080 posts)
2. Sorry for a loss that huge. Your SO was
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 04:48 PM
Apr 2024

your family. I don’t understand parents being like yours. Happy that you are living your authentic life! My BIL had the same situation with my husband’s parents. It was religion. I didn’t like seeing that. You were loved and are loved and understood on DU. Thanks for sharing.

nocoincidences

(2,489 posts)
3. I'm so sorry about your partner dying.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 04:49 PM
Apr 2024

I had that happen in 2004 and I still think about her every day, and dream about her so often.

Your parents should be embarrassed about shunning you, and when their nasty tempered Catholic God calls them to account for their un-christian behavior, they will finally "get it".

The_REAL_Ecumenist

(957 posts)
65. PREACH, nocoincidences, PREACH!!
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 04:27 PM
Apr 2024
I had 3 NDE's for a total of 45 minutes on August 7 1998 and can boldly say that they're going to be surprised to find just who God is. Even Jesus said not to be holier than thou & hung out, (as a homeless man who was an undocumented alien as a babe in arms with his mom and step-pappy), with what was perceived to be the "scum" of the Earth.

Deuxcents

(26,915 posts)
4. Condolences on the loss of your loved one ((💐))
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 04:50 PM
Apr 2024

I do know the pain of losing the support of family members for the choices I made but being able to be and live my life is empowering and I hope you find that a good comfort for you, too.

MontanaMama

(24,722 posts)
5. Oh Kath2. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 04:53 PM
Apr 2024

From my perspective, you can never be over the top being who you are. You are allowed to exist and take up space. I'm thinking of you. I know these are hard hard days.

Kath2

(3,192 posts)
37. Thank you.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 09:44 PM
Apr 2024

My family has never accepted my politics or my lifestyle. I get it. I don't like theirs, either. Yes, I am going to hell because of love in their narrow minded and bigoted perspective. For them to treat me this shitty in the darkest time of my life is something I never expected, even from them. Surely an eye-opening experience in the worst way.

I never would have thought I would get more support in my grief from DU than my own family. Blows my mind and really makes me so sad.

Irish_Dem

(81,266 posts)
6. Your courage leaps out in your post.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 04:59 PM
Apr 2024

Maybe that was not your intent, but that is what I see Kath.

Be your own person, your parents are stuck in their own sick and sad reality.
It is their loss. They are missing out on a wonderful child.

I have close family members who are LGBT, I love them and their spouses so much.
I consider myself to be so lucky to have them close to me.

I hope you find kindred spirits in your pursuits.

sheshe2

(97,625 posts)
7. I am so sorry for your loss, Kath.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 05:42 PM
Apr 2024

You enjoyed thirty years of living life with the one that you loved. That is wonderful despite your parents attitude.

Blessing to you.

Aristus

(72,187 posts)
10. Straight, cisgender, middle-aged white guy in 100% solidarity with you.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:06 PM
Apr 2024




You have people here who care about you.

Hekate

(100,133 posts)
11. Kath, I am so sorry for your loss 💔 May you be surrounded by light and love forever...
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:07 PM
Apr 2024

… and my your loved one’s name be a blessing.

Kath2

(3,192 posts)
30. Almost 8 weeks.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 08:15 PM
Apr 2024

It doesn't get any easier. It sucks. This society does not know how to give people space and let them grieve in peace. I have spent more damn time dealing with insurance companies, various agencies and businesses than I have mourning my loved one. I think having a very non-supportive family makes it all even worse. Her family was also totally non-supportive. Her name is a blessing and I wouldn't change a thing regardless of how painful this is. Thank you, Hekate.

Hope22

(4,746 posts)
12. Thinking of you and sending love.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:12 PM
Apr 2024

Your story is an amazing example of following heart. My heart goes out to you. 💗💗🙏🏼💐

13. Shame on your parents
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:19 PM
Apr 2024

As a non-practicing Catholic, I abhor such behavior. May you always have the support and love you need. Your parents do not realize what they are missing out on in this life, without you.

Trueblue Texan

(4,464 posts)
14. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:20 PM
Apr 2024

I wish there were words that helped but please know I am sending you kind thoughts and wishes for healing and peace to embrace you.

AverageOldGuy

(3,835 posts)
15. "This, above all . . . "
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:21 PM
Apr 2024
This, above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.


-- Quoted from an old forgotten 16th Century playwright.

Sounds to me as though you have been true to yourself.

Niagara

(11,850 posts)
16. Rest in Paradise Kath2's SO.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:32 PM
Apr 2024



I'm sorry to hear about your loss, Kath2.



When my daughter came out, she had my full support. Her father kept texting me and was complaining about it. I basically said, "Put your big boys pants on, accept it and support our daughter."


It shut him up about it.

Kath2

(3,192 posts)
39. Very cool.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 09:55 PM
Apr 2024

Your daughter is so blessed to have your love and support. So glad that you stood your ground and did what is right.

Niagara

(11,850 posts)
59. She's my daughter, I would never abandon or disown her.
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 02:22 PM
Apr 2024

I had in-laws that called me to harass me about it when the beans were spilled.


I flat out told my in laws that I would never abandon or disown my daughter. They're also MAGAts, I told them at least my daughter didn't have 26 sexual assault accusations charges against her and hung up on them.

calimary

(90,020 posts)
18. Here's a BIG hug: (((((((((((((((((((( * )))))))))))))))))))) !
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 06:53 PM
Apr 2024


Whether we're gay or straight, we're WITH YA!!!

niyad

(132,440 posts)
19. I am so very sorry for the loss of your SO. Holding you in love and light.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 07:04 PM
Apr 2024

Your DU family is here for you, lean as hard as you need.

Kath2

(3,192 posts)
34. Thank you so much, niyad.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 08:56 PM
Apr 2024

I know we normally cross paths on the pro-choice and feminist forums. They are causes that my SO and I embraced totally.

The DU community has been wonderful and gives me much hope.

Take care. Peace always.

LoisB

(13,028 posts)
20. I am so sorry for the loss of your significant other.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 07:04 PM
Apr 2024

Hopefully, one day (soon) your parents and all others who judge will get over themselves and just love and support their children.

TomSlick

(13,013 posts)
21. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 07:30 PM
Apr 2024

I am also sorry that your parents do not accept you for being yourself.

To your own self be true. Your DU family is here for you.

usonian

(25,319 posts)
24. Joy has no labels attached to it, nor does sorrow.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 07:34 PM
Apr 2024

We're all equally human, and we're all different.
That is the great beauty of life.

If we were all the same, the universe would be a meaningless place.
And wouldn't exist. (take it from a physics grad)

It obviously delights in our differences.

🪷 Peace 🪷

Kath2

(3,192 posts)
38. Thank you.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 09:51 PM
Apr 2024

For your own family to still, after 30 years, treat you really shitty because you have a same-sex partner is really unforgivable to me. Very hard for me to wrap my mind around it.

barbtries

(31,308 posts)
67. it is unforgivable.
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 05:00 PM
Apr 2024

they're straight up bigots. sadly, toxic for you. My oldest brother falls in that camp. I wonder how he'll react when he finds out my granddaughter has a girlfriend. It should be a nothing burger, right? If she's happy I'm happy for her! Anyhow, we live across the country from each other so I keep a distance without doing any formal cutting of the cord.

Are you getting everything you need right now? I've found grief counseling very helpful. reach out any time.

Fla Dem

(27,633 posts)
27. I am so sorry you lost your partner of 30 years. A very difficult time in your life.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 07:58 PM
Apr 2024

Last edited Tue Apr 30, 2024, 03:02 PM - Edit history (2)

It is so disheartening to hear how your own parents have shut you out of their lives.

I hope in the days, weeks and years ahead you will find peace and loving support from others who are or will be in your life.


Goddessartist

(2,176 posts)
31. I'm so very sorry your love passed.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 08:29 PM
Apr 2024

Holding you in my heart ❤️

My youngest came out to me at 11.

Sending love and hugs.

Kath2

(3,192 posts)
32. Much appreciated.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 08:34 PM
Apr 2024

It took me so much longer to come out.

So wonderful that your youngest was able to do it at that age. Peace.

PittBlue

(4,794 posts)
35. Sending you love and peace.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 08:58 PM
Apr 2024

So very sorry for your loss and how your parents have reacted to you. Once again religion rears its ugly head. Know that you are supported by many, many people.

AmBlue

(3,460 posts)
36. So very sorry for your loss
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 09:07 PM
Apr 2024

May you, in time, find peace and comfort in your memorie. I so admire your strength, and support you in being true to yourself.

flying_wahini

(8,275 posts)
40. Good for you. Toxic parents coming into your life now would be such a drag.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 10:07 PM
Apr 2024

My condolences to you over the loss of your SO. This is a new chapter for you, I hope you embrace it
as a new horizon for exploration! Hugs your way.

Kath2

(3,192 posts)
41. This is all so surreal.
Mon Apr 29, 2024, 11:07 PM
Apr 2024

Thank you. I hope I can get over the pain and explore new possibilities. I am nowhere near that yet. I'm still in a daze over it.

Laurelin

(897 posts)
42. Sending hugs and comfort your way
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 06:16 AM
Apr 2024

I hope you find peace and memories of shared love and joy, but I know it will take time.

My daughter is married to a woman. I remember, before she came out (I thought her whole life she was a lesbian but it's not my place to label her), she had a group of lesbian friends who were disowned by their religious parents. It broke my heart that they lost their families because of who they are, and i honestly couldn't wrap my mind around the stupidity. But I never knew then, and still don't know, what to say except that your parents are idiots and I suspect they lost more than you did.

I'm impressed by your courage and grace and hope you'll find healing soon.

Chi67

(1,285 posts)
45. Ugh
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 10:01 AM
Apr 2024

Sounds familiar. My parents did the same thing back in the 80s. They have mostly come around now, but man were those some tough years.

That said, there is no such thing as "over the top". You do not exist to conform to other people's expectations. Be you, that's all you can do!

Lem1951

(41 posts)
46. So sorry for your loss! You have many unknown supporters!
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 10:28 AM
Apr 2024

So sorry for your loss! You have many unknown supporters.

58Sunliner

(6,330 posts)
47. So sorry for your loss.
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 10:42 AM
Apr 2024

Fighting for basic human rights is never over the top. Good on you. You are a warrior.

FakeNoose

(41,633 posts)
49. You have understanding and support from your DU family
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 11:18 AM
Apr 2024

Condolences on the loss of your life partner.

cate94

(3,102 posts)
50. Kath, I am so very sorry
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 11:25 AM
Apr 2024

I am sorry for your loss and the way your family is treating you. I grew up Catholic and was initially disowned for being a lesbian.
My wife and I have been together for 30 years and I can’t imagine the pain of your loss. Combine that with your parent’s behavior and it could be devastating. Your strength is amazing! Keep standing tall and know that we are with you.

patphil

(9,067 posts)
51. Ok, Kath2, something to think about when you are feeling down.
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 11:59 AM
Apr 2024

Assuming you believe in heaven, there is something you should know.
There is no sex on any of the levels of Heaven, because it isn't needed; Angels are eternal.
Sex only exists to continue a species on 3D earth.
The main way of interactions in Heaven is through love, not sex.
We, as Angels, want to experience 3D life because of it's unique challenges, and opportunities.
Basically we are here to learn the lessons of love. This is necessary for our spiritual growth so we can at some point graduate to the next level of Heaven; the Archangelic level.
So we come down here, breath a soul into a newborn baby to link our Angelic self with the physical body, and start to experience 3D life.
Now, here's the big point. As Angels, we have no problem with male-male, or female-female love.
It has no reference point in Heaven, since there aren't separate sexes in Heaven.
It's only down here that some of us get all freaked out about it.
God doesn't care one way or the other about sexual preferences in the 3D world since it isn't part of our spiritual lives. For God, love is love.
The sin isn't homosexuality. The sin is in the judgement and punishment that some people inflict on those who live a homosexual lifestyle. The sin is in their hate, which is the opposite of love.
These people are choosing to work with the forces of darkness, i.e. hate, to create fear, guilt, shame, and other dark emotions in the people who feel more normal, more whole, in a homosexual relationship.

I know it isn't easy for you to cope with this, but don't let the anger and hatred others throw at you block your ability to be a loving person, like the Angel you actually are.



bleedingulcers

(82 posts)
55. Sending you lots of love
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 01:48 PM
Apr 2024

You're very brave, and I see you and support you in everything you do!
much love,
Bleeding

stage left

(3,306 posts)
56. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 02:04 PM
Apr 2024

Your courage is palpable. I hope you have friends, besides the ones on this page, to lean on. Sometimes your friends are your family.

livetohike

(24,282 posts)
57. I'm so sorry for your loss Kath2. May every good memory
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 02:05 PM
Apr 2024

comfort you and bring smiles. May your SO rest in peace.

SWBTATTReg

(26,257 posts)
58. Gosh, I'm so sorry to hear losing your 30 year partner. That's very sad. As to your parents, move on. They act like
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 02:18 PM
Apr 2024

they're the ones suffering when in fact, it's you. They need to grow up, and act like adults.

Be strong. Stand up for yourself, and be you.

CrispyQ

(40,969 posts)
62. My condolences on your loss.
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 03:49 PM
Apr 2024


I'm sorry your family wasn't more supportive but you're right you have to be true to yourself.

AllaN01Bear

(29,490 posts)
63. '''
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 03:53 PM
Apr 2024

yup coming out is hard . my mum knew all the way along. i didnt tell my right wing wacko dad at all.

FemDemERA

(828 posts)
64. I'm so sorry for your loss
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 04:02 PM
Apr 2024

May the memories of time spent together give some comfort to you in the coming months. Try to take a few minutes each day for a breather from the stressors; a walk, some music, quiet reflection, let the tears flow, whatever works for you.

KPN

(17,377 posts)
66. So sorry for your loss Kath2. Sending
Tue Apr 30, 2024, 04:35 PM
Apr 2024

some loving vibes your way from me — a proud parent of a gay son.

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