__________________________________________________________

After coming out

Here are some of the mixed reactions young people have faced when coming out to others.

• My family said they'd always suspected I was same-sex attracted, and were just waiting for me to tell them.

• My father is more accepting than my mother is. Most of my friends are straight and they're all accepting - some are curious.

• My mother said she was so pleased that I could share this with her.

• My 'hetero' friends are very accepting - we speak openly, they go to gay bars with me, invite me to parties with gay friends, some have even tried to match-make.

• My brother called me some terrible names - in fact we came to blows.

• I told my parents and they refused to talk about it. It was easier to move out of home.

• My grandfather has nothing to do with me anymore - I visit Nan when he's out at bowls.

• My parents didn't talk about it for four years after I told them, now they're coming around. They're talking openly about my life, becoming involved in my life and welcoming my gay friends into their home.

• I'm so relieved that I can now attend family weddings, funerals and celebrations with the woman I love, my life partner, with me as my best friend, lover and emotional support. Some family members know we're same-sex attracted, others probably assume we're friends. We don't feel a need to make a big deal out of it - those who count know and they love and accept us both for who we are.

• My family listened to what I had to say, then swept it all under the carpet, pretending I hadn't said a thing. I moved out of home, in fact, down to the city, so that I could live my life honestly in a new community, as a gay man.

• I told my identical twin brother I was gay - he said, 'me too'.

• My best friend gave me a huge hug and said she was glad I'd had the courage to tell her - I'd been afraid she'd think I was trying to come on to her.

• My friend was curious and wanted to know everything, like, how did I know I was gay, when did I realise, how old was I, and more. We talked for hours.