My story of coming out was a bit more simple than most people. I was really fortunate because my parents actually accepted me for who I was and didn’t really care who I liked. This is how it began.

It all started when I was at school one day, my Math teacher asked the class if anybody was openly Gay and or Lesbian because he was going to a GBLT Conference at the University in my city. Well, that day I wasn’t going to tell him but I did think overnight how much it would feel great, just to get it off my chest. So, the next day I go back to class and I gave him a little note saying “Nobody knows this, but I am Bi-Sexual.” At the time that I told him, the class had already left as the school day was over. So, we signed some paper’s and he ended up taking me to a GBLT Conference on December 14^th/2011.

At the conference, I was a bit nervous as there was about a thousand kids there, if not more. And, I wasn’t used to anything to this extent. You know, being around a room filled with queer people. Yeah, so it was awkward for the first hour, but in the Conference we had to pick three stations to go to. These stations were set up to learn more about your sexuality, and generally just hang out with the thousand of kids that were there. So, I picked Healthy Sexuality for my first, then “What you can do in your community” and lastly, “Genderism and Sexism”. These stations had some really cool queer people who were exactly like myself! For once, I felt comfortable with who I was.

After the conference, I was very confident that I was going to tell my mother that same day that I was Bi. When she got home from work that night, I told her. She wasn’t surprised because apparently I have this super-power that is… well, my voice is girly at times! Woo! Yeah, but she took it really, really well. She said that she would love me for who I am, and nothing would change. However, she said. “Aw, I wanted some grandkids I can actually enjoy!” I was like “Yeah, mom.. I’m bi, not gay! You still might have that chance.” Anyway… after I told her, she told me that she wouldn’t say anything to my dad and would wait for me to talk to him separately.

So, the next two days go by… and, I’m on the computer. Apparently, my dad said something about queer people and my mother responded and kind of blurted out that I was Bi-Sexual by accident. However, I ended up speaking to him alone later on that day. He was like my mother, he took it very well and said that it’s all about love, and that he wouldn’t change anything between us.

I felt like a million dollars, because I didn’t think that I would have told them until I hit College! And, I’m in Eleventh grade right now. So, the jump was wild, and boy did it ever feel good to get that off my chest.

My Brothers, and Sister don’t know anything yet, but I’ll get around to telling them later on. However, until then I’m feeling great because I can finally express who I am, and what I am into. I no longer have to hide from my parents. And, I hope anyone who hasn’t come out. For them to, come out whenever they feel ready. And, people can always surprise you. You’re a special human being. Remember that!

Shawn.

Yes, you need your parent’s permission to get married if you are under 18. At 18, you can marry any person you want.

Unfortunately sometimes our families can be hurt us deeply with their words and through their actions.  If you are looking for support and friendship, contact The Rainbow Resource Centre at 474-0212.
The Resource Centre offers a gay, lesbian and bi-sexual youth group that meets weekly.  If you do not want to meet in person you can phone the counselling/support line at 284-5208.  If you are interested in meeting other cool youth who are interested in stopping homophobia and other forms hate you can join the Multi School Diversity Action Group.  This group is a gay/straight alliance, which means that everyone is welcome.
Last but not least, Teen Talk offers a Peer Support Program throughout the year where youth can come together and learn about cool stuff like pregnancy prevention, safer sex, diversity issues and healthy relationships. Call us at 784-4010 to register for the training.

There needs to be a sperm and an egg for a pregnancy to happen. Obviously, if two people with the same parts are having sex, there will be no chance of a pregnancy. That being said, there are some options for people in same sex relationships who want to have kids.

A woman can get pregnant using a sperm donor, from someone they know or from a sperm bank. The donor would give a semen sample, which the woman could have inserted through the vagina at home or in a clinic. Some women also choose to use hormone therapies or in-vitro fertilization (often called IVF) during this process.
For men who only have sex with men, the process of becoming a parent might include finding someone to carry the pregnancy. Often, they would use one (or both) of the men’s sperm to fertilize an egg in the person who agrees to carry the pregnancy. An agreement is usually made with the person who will be carrying the pregnancy that the couple or person will adopt the baby and become the legal parent(s).

These options are also available to anyone who wants to parent (a straight couple dealing with infertility or a single person in particular). Anyone considering parenting needs help and support, and this might include getting information from doctors, counselors, and other people who are parenting. For more information about LGBTTQ* parenting, contact the Rainbow Resource Centre at 474-0212.

It can be hard to leave an abusive relationship if there are kids involved. Still, staying in an abusive relationship is not a healthy decision for you or your baby. Remember that no one ever deserves to be abused and the abuse is not your fault.

Try to talk to someone you trust. A friend, family member, elder, guidance counselor or call the Klinic Crisis Line at 1-888-322-3019 (it’s free and confidential). The people you talk to can help you sort out the situation, and make a plan for what you need to keep you and your baby healthy and safe.

If you feel that you or your baby are in danger, yotry to stay with a friend or family member where you and your baby will be safe. You can also call Osborne House, a shelter for women and their families (1-877-977-0007 or 942-3052 in Winnipeg).