Big problem-o in famlily-o. Very big!

[DemoTex]

My dear young brother got outed by a major city newspaper today. Big time outing. My parents, who are not stupid (Dad is a PhD), read said rag. If you are in that town, you probably know what article I am talking about. Metro Section. SE city.

We are dealing with as a family. With honesty. Brother will tell them tonight that he is queer. I think they know.

[supernova]

1. Oooh, not nice

to be outed before you have a chance to tell your family.

But I hope that you're right and your parents knew anyway.

Thoughts and prayers to all of you. :hug:

[WealthAndDemocracy]

2. Why did they out him?

Was this something that was done with malicious intent?

[DemoTex]

5. Not sure yet

Might be.

[WealthAndDemocracy]

9. I'm sorry to hear that

I hope you're right that they might already know. What a mean thing to do, and if it's everybody's business to publish in the damn paper anyway. :eyes:

You and your family have my best wishes.

[DemoTex]

10. I think the outing was opportunistic.

The article was about brother's sig other. The mention of my brother's name and occupation (MD., lets say neurosurgeon to obsfucate this a bit!) was totally gratuitous.

[GURUving]

3. How old is he?

I hope he is prepared to deal with what ever happens as a response. I would guess it hasn't been as much of a secret as he thinks. Also, having non-stupid parents will obviously make it much easier.

Good luck.

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. And how old are your parents?

Good luck to all.

[DemoTex]

6. 83/81

We think they might know by now.

[greatauntoftriplets]

7. If they read the paper, yes.

But what a way to find out. If the revelation was made with malicious intent, I hope your brother knows some barracuda lawyers.

[DemoTex]

11. Yes, they read this paper.

However, in my nightly talk (at 6:20 pm EST), they (my parents) were happy and upbeat.

[GOPisEvil]

8. Zoiks!! I hope everything goes well.

Outing someone is just plain wrong. I really hope it wasn't malicious.

[DemoTex]

12. The outing wasn't malicious

It was just not necessary. IMHO! Anyway, the fallout continues. The phone rings off the hook. At least my parents are semi-cool tonight!

[GOPisEvil]

13. Yeah, sounds like it wasn't necessary.

Normally, people call first to make sure...perhaps the reporter didn't care.

[underseasurveyor]

14. That's just plain fucked up!

It was mean and uncalled for to do that to your brother (or anyone) but beyond that if your parents didn't know that is also a cruel thing to do to them, to have them find out by reading it in some paper.

Like I said, that is Fucked Up!

My best wishes to you and your family.....

[Bundbuster]

15. Parents usually know already

and these sound like wise and compassionate ones who will stand by your brother through whatever comes. Often it's the "outers" who wind up with true dirt on their faces, and the "outed" emerges stronger and more at peace. I wish him and all of your family the best.

[DemoTex]

17. I think you are right

At least they weren't clueless. Next 24 hours tells the tale.

[Wickerman]

16. Good luck

and best wishes to your family. There is no call for that kind of behavior. I hope you take action on the paper even if its just a letter to the editor/publisher/atorney, whatever. I am sorry your folks had to have this happen since it was openly discuessed. At elast it can be discussed now. Do let us know what happens.

[Misinformed01]

18. SE newspaper

Just wanted to send you a note from Michael and I to wish you and your family "good luck" with the article in the newspaper--I read it, and think that it's high time all institutions (public/private/government..I don't care...ALL of them) need to recognize partners and give them benefits!

Best of luck, and I hope this isn't too stressful for your folks, or brother--

Stephanie

Edited because I THOUGHT I was sending DT a Private Message! Good God I can be stupid!