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Family rejection often involves ambiguous loss: a form of grief that is not socially recognized.

Because of this, many survivors often feel isolated as they mourn those who are still alive.

Healing involves recognizing and supporting the grief that comes from this form of loss.

"I should be happy right now," Jared said with a sigh. "This weekend is my wedding- this should be the happiest time of my life. But, I can't focus. I can't stop thinking about how my father wont be there." He paused as tears pooled in his eyes.

"It's not fair." he said, crying.

"It's not fair," I echoed in agreement.

I had been with Jared for years; he contacted me back when he first came out to his family. "I have a feeling this isn't going to go well," he had said during his first call, "and I want some support for when that happens."

In my experience, families can be surprising when their loved ones come out as LGBTQ. Sometimes, parents who we think won't be accepting end up being supportive. Of course, the best scenerio is full, unconditional love and acceptance, which every human being deserves from their family.

Unfortunately, Jared's parents were not surprising. He had grown up in an environment filled with homophobia, and had known from a young age that coming out would be uncomfortable at best. And he was right: his father took it badly, insulting him and sending Jared into a deep........

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