Relationships
Equip yourself with expert-approved strategies.
According to a 2020 Gallup poll,9.1% of millennials fall within the LGBT community.
As one could imagine, many have or will eventually introduce a queer partner to their families.
If youre in your first queer relationship, its natural to have questions: How will my family react?
Will they support my happiness?
How will they treat my partner?
Its normal to experience some nervousness, especially when your family is accustomed to heteronormativity.
We live in a heterosexist society that makes many assertions about how romantic relationships are structured.
Queer relationships, by nature, buck against those assertions.
Below, experts share their advice.
Begin to weave your partner into how you communicate about your life to your family, says Falchuk.
This can sound like, Alex and I watched that movie, too!
They have a secret crush on Meryl Streep, so we have to watch any movie shes in.
Another way to do this is by encouraging their allyship.
Are you on the same page about that as your partner?
This can help alleviate any shock or surprise from your family when introducing your partner.
This can also give your family some time to process and work through their heteronormative beliefs and biases.
How will it feel if your family doesnt react favorably?
Can you handle a negative or even aggressive response?
Is your partner prepared for the possibility that your family might not be super friendly to them?
What are they anticipating?
What are their fears?
If you cant see eye to eye or need additional support, Givens suggests couples therapy.
For safetys sake, and in order not to overwhelm your partner or family, have an exit plan.
Ultimately, Campbell says to do whats best for you.
Go at your own pace.
There is a lot of pressure from society for the flow of relationships to go a certain way.
