my parents made their grand entrance. My mother and I hugged briefly, I shook my father's hand, and then I introduced Jason. "Mom and Dad, may I present Jason, a fellow Resident Assistant and good friend?"

Mom and Dad ordered wine and the four of us sat down for the traditional grilling. Mom and Dad asked the basics first, like where are you from, what do your parents do for a living, what religion are you, etc. Naturally, I had coached him a little, and he gave all the right answers without straying from the truth. See, there's a way to talk to my parents that works, and a way that doesn't work. You get the idea.

After an interesting discussion during which Jason and I compared our experiences as Resident Assistants in different kinds of dorms, we went in to dinner. We were joined there by my brother and sister. Dinner progressed as any fine dining experience might, with servants passing in and out refilling glasses and plates, and the usual marvelously scintillating conversation passing back and forth across the table. Jason had the opportunity to speak more with my mother and father, and I could tell that my sister found him unbelievably cute as she began kicking me under the table.

Sis of course knew about my sexual orientation, and her playful kicks were to say, if nothing else, that she approved and that she was quite jealous. I kicked her back to indicate that I understood.

Finally, dessert had been cleared and coffee and brandy were being served in the Salon. (I've always thought I had to get a haircut in that room!) This is the time where most serious discussions in our house occurred, and after some incredibly dull banter, I cleared my throat loudly, indicating that I had something to say. Jason was sitting next to my sister on a small sofa and I went to him. My sister with her incredible intuitive sense got up and moved to another seat. I sat down next to Jason and patted his knee. I noticed that he was shaking and I looked at him and smiled. His expression told me that all was OK, and I began to speak.

"This is a rather big piece of news that I am about to give you all, and I am glad that you are all here together so I only have to go through this once," I began. In a clear, firm, and steady voice I continued. "I have thought about what I am about to say for several long years, I've thought about how to say it, when to say it, who to say it to, and what to say. After a lot of thought and some recent events in my life, I find this the most opportune moment to share this news with you."

I paused to let this sink in, and then continued. "I've known what I am about to tell you for a long long time. You've probably known it too, but were, for whatever reason, unwilling to believe it. I know only too well how conservative the thinking is in this family, but I want you to open your minds as much as you can before I tell you this." I stopped again and looked around at everyone in the room, ending by gazing quickly at Jason.

"This is the short and long of it: I am gay." I stated.

They all looked uncomfortable for a few seconds,