Ohh boy, c.. come here, please take a seat. Being in families like that is hell, I swear even hell doesn’t cover it well enough. I myself put distance anywhere I can however I can, I would never use the term family for one. And being forced to exist in their midst is literal shit. I try and find solace in online spaces when it’s all I’ve got. And turn to friends and chosen family instead. It’s hard, very fuckin much so, but getting out the other side is genuinely rewarding.

Acceptance is a two-way street. Coming out is a life-altering event for both you and your family. While you deserve love, expecting immediate, perfect acceptance ignores their humanity. We often talk about the courage it takes to come out, but we rarely talk about the time it takes for a family to catch up. It’s not necessarily a lack of love or support; often, it’s a clash of different mindsets, shitty childhoods, or a genuine fear that your life will be harder because of your identity. Expecting an overnight transformation is unrealistic. Give them space to ask questions and process the 'shock.' You are the author of your life, but remember that they are human, too—until they prove they aren't willing to try.

Survive. Find community, build community. Be for others what you needed all along.