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How To Introduce Your Parents To Your Gay Partner
Introducing your parents to your girlfriend or boyfriend can be daunting for anyone. But if you have a same-sex partner, it can be even more tricky. Our film is packed with advice for gay and lesbian people planning this important event.
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Step 1:
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Communicate
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Make sure your parents know they are free to ask questions and talk to you about any concerns they may have about meeting yours partner, You might even want to raise this with them before they meet your partner, and perhaps even give them the chance to say how they feel about meeting your beloved.
It's important that your parents know that your relationship is an important part of your life, as is your relationship with them. You want to be a close family and their meeting your partner is part of their acceptance of you. Your family may want to sweep the gay issue under the carpet and not deal with it. Whilst this is understandable, it can leave you all feeling quite awkward and alienated and so it's better to discuss things.
If your family have had little exposure to homosexuality before, reinforce the point that gay people are rounded, normal individuals who just happen to be gay.
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Step 2:
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Don't let them dismiss your relationship
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Present your gay relationship just as any heterosexual member of your family would. If your siblings and cousins are in the habit of introducing people they are dating casually to the family, then you should do the same. If they only introduce long-term, serious partners then that's what you should do too. If your parents allow unmarried, straight couples to share a bed under their roof then you should insist they allow you to do the same. Your gay partner shouldn't be treated any differently than if they were straight.
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Step 3:
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The meeting
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If possible, you should try to introduce your partner to both your parents at the same time, so that neither of them feels left out. Make the introduction in comfortable environment such as at home or in a favourite restaurant. When the most important people in your life meet each other it's quite a special occasion, so you may want to plan a nice meal for the event. Try to see the whole thing in a positive light. If your parents see that you are happy, they will be much more likely to accept the relationship. You may feel apprehensive about how they will all get on. Try to relax and give each person the opportunity to make themselves known, rather than you have to orchestrate things too much.
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