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"I don't think it ever happens like that for a lot of people," said Ron, who sees no signs of reconciling with his parents after they disowned him 10 years ago. "I meet people all the time in this area at bars, or when I started a gay-straight alliance, that had horrible reactions from their parents. Sometimes it got better, but I know a lot of people who are just like me ... I have met older gay men who came out back in the '80s whose parents died without ever speaking to them again. I assume my parents will probably be the same way."

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"But they don't complain that I never call. So I got that going for me."

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Individuals can choose to come out if they want, or they could just stay in the closet until they're totally independent. "It's always your choice," Ron said, "and I wouldn't judge anyone for what they choose to do." You know your own situation best. Coming out could end with your family dancing all wacky at your gay wedding, or it could end with them trussing you up and firing you out of town on the special catapult they have reserved for just such occasions.