I want to tell my family that I’m gay, but what if they don’t accept me?

DEAR DEIDRE: I WANT to be open with my family about my sexuality, but I’m terrified of how they’re going to react.

Some of my friends have already come out, and their families have been incredibly supportive.

But I don’t know if I can expect that from mine.

I’m 22. I was 16 when I worked out I was gay.

I was at a party, playing spin the bottle. I had to kiss another guy, and as I did, it felt like everything fell into place.

I’ve recently told my best friend and he has been great, but now he is encouraging me to tell my family.

My parents and sister, who is 17, aren’t homophobic, but they do make comments like: “I hope your kids are normal.”

So what’s the best way to tell them the truth?

DEIDRE SAYS: It takes a lot of courage to come out, and it’s understandable that you’re nervous.

But there are things you can do to make it easier.

Have the conversation in a quiet, private space and reassure your family that you are still the same person they all love.

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Also, don’t feel you need to tell everyone at the same time.

Check out www.fflag.org.uk (0300 688 0368), which has some great digital resources on coming out