How to Cope With a Gay Sibling

Although you may have several gay friends, experiencing a brother or sister coming out may have pose possible problems in your life. For starters, having a sibling announce their homosexuality may draw attention to them and leave you feeling alienated. You might resent them or worse, your entire family may be against them. Learn how to cope with a sibling who is gay and find out how to love them regardless.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Talk with your sibling. They are most likely experiencing some awkwardness in coming out both to your family and to society in general. Let them know you are there for them no matter what their sexual preference is.
2. Understand that everyone is different. Although some religions preach against homosexuality, realize that the person is a living, breathing human being--nd that they are your relative.
3. Treat them the same as you did before they admitted to being gay. Simply because they like members of the same sex, it doesn't mean their personality, hobbies, or work ethic has changed.
4. Talk with friends and family members. Although your parents or guardians may want you to keep your sibling's homosexuality out of the limelight, remember that it's okay to come to trusted relatives or friends when you need to talk.
5. Realize that it's not all about them. You may feel overlooked or overburdened with your sibling's news at times, but remember that you are special and unique as well. Though family dialog may center around your sibling for awhile, realize that adjusting to such a change in your family dynamics may take some time for everyone to adapt to.
6. Accept their partner. If your brother brings home a boyfriend or your sister introduces you to her girlfriend, get to know the person. If they're important to your sibling, they should be important enough to you to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Tips & Warnings

• Loving your sibling regardless of their sexual preference lets them know your love for them is unconditional.
• Never judge. Until you've had a gay sibling or family member, you cannot understand what it is like.