Although I was always told by them that should I feel I am gay, I must talk to them. What they did not realise is that at the time, I did not even know that I was/am gay. Eventually the time came I told them. Nothing could have prepared me for what followed. All of a sudden my understanding father had turned into a lunatic, swearing and cursing at me and making me feel even more worthless.

Needless to say after many tears and arguments I moved out. Three months later My father threatened the people I was staying with with charges of abduction so I had to move back home. Again after one year of have little or no relationship with my father I have again moved out, I am happy and very independent.

I guess what I am trying to say to anyone who wants to come out - prepare yourself, you are about to shock your parents like they have never been shocked before! Remember all there dreams of you taking a beautiful bride and walking down the aisle are shattered so it is understandable that they would be devastated - although you must also remember, you have to live with yourself for the rest of your life and not with them.

You have to ask yourself if you are prepared to live a lie forever or not? What they happen to say to you at the time you tell them may not be what you want to hear, remember also that maybe later they will regret what they said, they could have said those things purely out of anger - but don't count on it. I still do not even speak to my father - it has been one year. Although my mother and I have never been so close.

Always remember you have to answer to yourself at the end of the day, and you are accountable for your own actions. Once you are out, it is the nicest thing! It feels like a weight has been lifted of you, like nothing else. Remember to have a good support structure in place though, Because now you are going to need it.

Take the world head on! More and more people are becoming Fag friendly. Although you are still going to have to take lots of discrimination, insults etc. Except this time round you can look at them squarely in the eye and say - at least I admit it, at least I am man enough not to hide from it are you? So enjoy your new found freedom! Culture it and live it you are a new better and stronger person!