Mark Segal is an American journalist. He is the president of the National Gay Newspaper Guild and the founder and publisher of Philadelphia Gay News. Segal is originally from Mount Airy, Philadelphia and attended Germantown High School and Temple University.

When we talk about coming out we should be aware that there are different circumstances for each of us.  Each of us have different reasons on weather we come out to family or friends or not.  It is a personal decision and one that only you can make.  No one has the right to say that your decision is right or wrong, it is about your life and your relationship under the circumstances that only you have lived.  

 

When I was 18 I was the president of an organization in NY called Gay Youth.  We had a hotline and many of the callers asked how can I tell my parents or i’m in turmoil since i can’t tell my parents.  So I learned early what an important aspect this is to each and everyone one of us.

 

My personal story is rather simple.  Soon after moving to NY from my home in Philly and getting involved with the struggle for gay rights I decided to call my parents and on the phone simply tell them.  My father answered the call.  After the usual pleasantries I said “Dad i have something to tell you, I’m gay.”  Dad didn’t hesitate.  he replied “I thought so, you might want to tell your mother.”  Mom got on the phone and i told her.  Her answer is what i heard from many of my friend when they told their parents.  She said “I’m worried about you when you get old.”  She like many of your parents was simply concerned for my well being and at the time LGBT people were unable to get married, and it was commonly thought that LGBT people could not form lasting relationships.  I explained that even if I was heterosexual I could be lonely in my old age, but I most likely would someday form a relationship.

 

My parents became LGBT activist and even appeared on the Phil Donahue show with me.  They are both gone now but I’d like to say to mom particularly… “Mom, I am old now, I’m happily married and far from lonely… and thank you for your concern and bringing me up in a way that cares for others the way you cared for me.