Being liberal in a red state can sometimes be the worst. Correction, it is the worst. Watching conservative friends and family members practically worship what I refer to as the Giant Tangerine Man-Baby while calling liberals "special snowflakes" and insinuating that protesters should be intentionally hit by vehicles makes you feel invalidated and, to be frank, like a piece of crap. With the toxicity and violent political climate here, it can be scary to put in your two cents. You don't know if you're parents will straight up disown you or try to alienate you from the rest of the family. It's a legit fear. So, it's easier to keep you political beliefs to yourself. But there comes a time in every Southern-flaming-liberal's life when they got to set that fear aside and boldly declare your left leaning life. Here are some ways that can make such a declaration easier.
1. GET A SUPPORT GROUP
Having a group of people that got your back is awesome. Whether it be your friends or a club where people of a common interest unite, having a team to cheer you on and be there for you if there's fallout is the best kind of thing for situations like this. Think Avengers or Justice League, or the Mystery Gang. They're always there for each other (except in Civil War and whatever conflict the JL have. Not a DC person) and have each other's back when things get very Age of Ultron.
2. SCHEDULE IT
When I came out as Asexual to my mom, I called a week in advance to schedule the day and time in which I was going to tell her that I wasn't straight. Scheduling your coming out as a liberal can help you take the time to think about what you're going to say, wonder how your parents are going to react, and how you are going to react to your parent's reaction. It gives you time to breathe, draw up support from that support group we talked about in the number one slot, and adequately prepare yourself.
3. TAKE ONE OF THESE...
For those times when it's dangerous to go alone, take a buddy. Especially if you plan to tell your parents face to face. The presence of a supportive friend can make all the difference. If you watch the show Gaycation, you know that there is a service in Japan where people can hire "friends" to be there for them and support them when they come out. I would not recommend paying some rando to be your support buddy, but getting a supportive friend to come with you when you tell your parents you're a liberal could be a confidence boost. And having someone on your side, by your side (sorry Allstate) could help your parents, if they are initially disappointed in you, see that you're still their kid.
OR.....
4. Just do it!
If none of these things work for you and you'd rather have less of a hassle, just call up your parents and tell them out right. It works for some, it doesn't for others. If following the previous pieces of advice appeal to you, then do that. If you'd rather bust up in your parent,s house with a picture of Bernie Sanders in one hand and sign that reads 'Dump Trump' in the other whilst wearing American flag shorts and a 'Nevertheless, She Persisted' shirt while Lady Gaga's Born This Way is on full blast in the background....I would tell you to tone it down, but you do you. You might end up being the next trending on YouTube, but do you.
AND REMEMBER
No matter what you do, no matter what political ideology you follow, you are a human being. You are wonderful and amazing, and you have people in your life that love you and support you. So be brave, be bold, be you.
