I was 17 years old when I came out to my mother. We were watching TV. As she adjusted the pillows during a commercial break, I blurted out, “mom, I’m gay!” She froze as she was tucking a pillow between her legs and stared at me for what felt like an eternity.
Her face softened a bit, and she said, “I support you, and I love you no matter what…but, I am afraid for you. The world is a scary place for gay people.” I am afraid for you.