Any tips/advice on when a friend comes out to you?

[picksthemusic]

Hi everyone,

I am coming over here to ask some advice. My BFF since we were 10, married to a man and has 3 kids, has just come out to me that she is a lesbian in a loving relationship with another woman.

She was living in NM with her husband and kids, met her SO at work, and started a relationship with her last month. She has since moved to give her husband some space, time with their children, and to figure out next steps. She plans on moving back to be with her SO in the near future to start their lives together. She states that her kids are her top priority, though, which I understand and respect.

My question is, how can I be most supportive? I am happy that she's found someone that makes her happy, and that she is being honest with herself about who she is and what she wants. I plan on being there for her if she needs to talk, and just be an ear should she need it.

Is there anything else I can do? Are there any resources out there for situations like hers?

I appreciate any advice you can give.

[never2amazing]

Just keep doing what you are doing...just be a friend.

[seattlekari]

Yes, just continue being a supportive friend, that's what she needs most right now.

I would recommend for her the book: And Then I Met This Woman: Previously Married Women's Journeys into Lesbian Relationships by Barbee J. Cassingham. Assuming she has parents and/or siblings to come out to, I'd also recommend: Now That You Know: A Parents' Guide to Understanding Their Gay and Lesbian Children by Betty Fairchild. And she should read that book too before passing it on. Both are available on Amazon.