LGBT

I did not fully understand and harbored deeply repressed feelings. I have 4 brothers and no sisters, and went to private all boys elementary and high school...maybe that was part of it, who knows. I really loved the woman that I married and we had children, but in my 30's it became increasingly difficult. I went for coming-out counseling with a psychologist who specializes in that area, and it really helped clear up a lot, and reinforced that I was always gay but repressed the feelings as envy of other's good looks, etc. That, and I wanted/needed the approval of my parents.

I had also become increasingly depressed and had suicidal thoughts. My wife saw this and wanted so badly for me to get better. I finally sat her down and told her. She was--and still is--AMAZING. She told me that she loved me more than anything but now that she knew why I was so tortured, she wanted to see me get better. Even if it meant ending the marriage.

A couple months later, we told the children and our parents. The only one who had any issues was my dad.
I had a cousin who was gay and had contracted HIV/AIDS in the mid 80's. His coming out was twofold: I am gay, and I have AIDS. My aunt completely disowned him and threw him out on the street. All during this time, my dad stepped forward and took care of him. It was a long year with multiple hospitalizations, etc. But dad was always there for him.
I think when I disclosed to him, he feared all that he had seen my cousin go through.

He quickly came around, and we got very close until his death in 2006.

My immediate family--every one of them--have been there for me with unconditional love and support.
My ex and her husband visit, and we all do family vacations. I still love her dearly, and respect her more than anyone in the world.
My coming out completely upended her world as she knew it for some time. She has a right to be angry, yet she has risen over that and built a new life and is happy. And so am I.