Hi Ivy! :) I’m relatively new to the scene, and I too consider myself a submissive non-monogamous young woman. I’m getting very involved in local bdsm events and such, as well as poly munches, and I’m wondering if I should tell my family these things. (Either the polyamorous piece or the bdsm piece, or both?) I’ve already casually brought up with my dad months ago that I’m curious about polyamory, and I hinted at bdsm stuff with my brother a few weeks ago, but I’m not sure where to go. Thoughts?

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That depends on your family, really. I can’t give you an answer without knowing them! I keep my dating life relatively private from most of my family, but that’s just based on the boundaries I like to maintain with them.

Obviously, coming out in any context can be super risky. It can also be a huge relief. But you should consider what the advantages of your family knowing would be, especially in relation to the risks. I can’t give you a definitive answer, I don’t know your family. But consider that some things are just your own personal business (like what goes on in your bedroom) while some things will have larger implications that require coming out (say, if you wanted to bring two partners to Thanksgiving.)

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