I received a letter from John* asking how he should handle someunexpected news he received from a family member. John, here isyour answer:
I am assuming your younger brother decided to tell you he is gaybefore he tells anyone else in your family because he feelscomfortable coming to you with any dilemmas he might be facing.
Take pride in the fact that he looks to you for guidance andcomfort, and keep those things in mind when you talk to him.Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with his lifestyle, youneed to continue to be the supportive older brother you said youhave always been to him.
Make sure you are honest when you tell him how you feel abouteverything he has told you. Contrary to what many think, it ispossible to be honest and supportive at the same time. He may notlike what you have to say, but at least he will know how you reallyfeel.
As for telling your mother and father, I don't know the best wayto do it. Only the two of you know how to handle your parents. ButI do agree that telling them should not be your responsibility.Since he doesn't seem to understand why it is something he needs todo on his own, try to explain it to him, and maybe even offer to bethere with him when he tells them.
Whatever happens, I hope things work out for the best.
Truly yours,
Brandi Hunter
*name has been changed
