Posted by:
wendell
(
)
Date: December 17, 2013 12:56PM
I read this forum a lot, but have not posted in a long time. I felt the need to share today. Please know that I am not writing this to complain or ask for sympathy or attention- it's just been a very interesting experience for me and I want to share.
When I first came out as gay and left the church about 5 years ago, it took a long time for most of my family to start wanting me in their lives again. They are definitely LDS and seem to love criticizing me. After several years, it was actually getting fairly cordial with many members of my family, but earlier this year I let them know I was planning to get married and all Hell broke loose.
We drove to California, got married, and I have truly never been happier, but my family has reverted to being very hateful and mean. Most of them have never even met M because they have not chosen to, but they all know we have been together for more than 4 years. They were pretty much accepting that I was going to be with him, and they were coming around a bit before the marriage.
However, now that I am married, my parents and 7 of my 8 siblings will not speak to me at all. Most of them will occasionally send me e-mails containing scriptures, quotes from the prophets, and other witty phrases telling me what a sinner I am. I have one sister-in-law who just loves to send me lengthy messages quoting Boyd K. Packer spouting off on his typical hate-filled messages of "love".
Well...I typically just brush it off and go on with my life the best I can, but just a few days ago, my sister secretly informed me that my family is planning an intervention to get me to change my ways. She doesn't know exactly what it will entail, but now, I don't know what to do.
I have tried to be nice and loving, but if they try to shame or embarrass me, I will not sit by and allow it. It's not something I want to do, but I've actually considered getting a restraining order against one of my brothers due to his constant attacks.
I have never asked them to support, encourage, or celebrate my lifestyle, but I did ask them to try and accept it because it will not change. Things were getting better and I was grateful, but it's gotten to the point where I don't know if I even want them in my life anymore. I know it's not easy for them, and I respect that, but it was not easy for me to live a lie for nearly 40 years.
Anyway...just sharing that makes me feel better. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/17/2013 12:59PM by wendell.