We tolerate our in-laws, the dentist, and taxes. You want more for them than that! (No offense meant to in-laws, dentists, and IRS employees.) This can be a time of celebration — either instead of or in addition to the challenges it may bring.
- Congratulate them on the internal work they've done to get to this point.
- Thank them for telling you about their identity; coming out is a sign of trust and a willingness to be vulnerable with you.
- Tell them that you love them exactly as they are.
- Tell them that you love them because they're queer or trans, not in spite of it.
- Tell them you will continue to love them as they grow further and further into themselves, including if that means they return to identifying as straight or cis.
Photo by Vitória Santos.
