Like most families today I had three different ones to explain to. My mom's, My step-dad's, and my Dad's.
I had just turned 19 I was in the military enjoying life in Texas when I met her. She worked in my Company and I thought she was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. I had had girlfriends in the past (just didn't tell my parents) but I had never felt like this before, just by looking at a person anyway.

Being in the military it's difficult to approach people about The Sensitive "Don't ask, Don't Tell" subject.

One night I saw her at the local gay club and asked her to dance. Two months later we were living together, a month after that I met her parents when they came down to visit. Then came the nagging about when I was going to tell my parents. Trying to explain my Step-dad isn't open to that at all. In fact, I remember, as a child being told if anyone of us were ever gay he would disown us. But I knew the time had come.

So I took leave and flew home with my new found love. On introductions I said she was my girlfriend. Everyone stopped stared and generally didn't know what to say.

My sister stated she had known forever and a day.
My brother expressed how totally cool he thought it was.
My mom smiled and said okay, good - are you hungry.
My step-dad looked at me with tears in his eyes and said thank you for finally telling us.

Today I'm overseas enjoying life as always, I'm still in very close contact with my family and my girlfriend moved over here to be with me.