In or Out: Compared to 50 years ago, coming out as lesbian, gay, bi, or transgendered (LGBT) has probably never been easier. Although, sadly, hate crimes and gay bashing still occur, our culture has generally become more accepting of LGBT people. LGBT characters regularly show up in movies. There are PFLAG support groups for family members and friends. More and more people are out at work and in their neighborhoods.
Even so, coming out to one’s family members can be a difficult, sometimes terrifying, move. For some Deaf people, it can be challenging to come out to their families, no matter if they have Deaf or hearing parents. Deaf and hearing families may have similar reactions, whether positive or negative, when their Deaf child comes out to them. Having Deaf parents doesn’t necessarily make it easier to come out though. Today we focus on Deaf LGBT people from hearing families.
Family Issues: It has been our observation that some Deaf people with hearing families worry that coming out will make them even more different from their families. They are already different in their Deaf and hearing identities. If they come out as LBGT and their family members are all straight, they may feel even more different and alone in their families.
These hearing parents probably already experienced a mixture of emotions when they found out their children were Deaf, ranging from shock to sadness or anger. They may have tried to “fix” their Deaf children with hearing aids, cochlear implants, or speech therapy. It makes sense that some Deaf people might think twice about coming out, knowing that they may once again disappoint their parents and cause them grief. They may even wonder if their families will try to change them, because there are indeed families who will look for therapists to try to change the LGBT children. It may feel safer to stay inside the closet.
Free to Be: For a very small minority of Deaf people with extremely conservative families, coming out might (and a very small “might”) result in losing their families. For most, however, this fear is unlikely to become a reality. There are Deaf people with hearing parents and siblings who enjoy warm and loving relationships with their families. Coming out and sharing their true identities and lives is a way of strengthening and deepening these relationships. Not having to carry around a big secret anymore, or worry about being out-ed, Deaf LGBT people can feel free to live and grow with authenticity.