Didn't expect that! in Adventures in paradise

My niece just came out to me. I happened to check my "Other" inbox on Facebook, and if I hadnt, I wouldn't have even noticed the message. I noticed the top message was from my niece, and it was sent on Saturday. It's now Thursday. I couldn't believe what I was reading!

She told me she knows she's bisexual. I think I'm more in shock at my niece exploring her sexuality already, because I always see her as a little kid, but in reality, she would be at least 14 or 15 these days. Shocked at how time flies and kids grow up fast!

I wasn't sure how to reply. She must have known I was gay, but in reality, all she needed to do was look at my public facebook posts despite not being on my friends list. In fact, she told me she's not even meant to have a facebook.

I basically replied that I was honoured she confided in me, and that the best advice I can give her is to not let anyone make her feel bad for being herself. I apologised for not being there at Christmas and explained the reason why, because of the fight with my dad. She then told me she's not talking to her dad either (my brother) because he got hammerered on Christmas day and verbally abused her and made her feel small! Well, that was surprising news to me as well! She said she was so nervous writing the message and that I'm the first person she's told. Wow.

Now this particular niece also happens to be my God-daughter. She was always a little different to her brother and sister, just seemingly more vocal and exploring life more. She said in the message that if she came out to her dad, her grandad or her brother, no-one would take her seriously. I agreed with her on that, especially at her age. I didn't tell her that both her mum and dad seem okay with me being gay, because it may well be a different story when it comes to one of their own daughters.

So after 30 years, it appears I'm no longer the lone same-sex attracted person within my extended family. I just never expected I would bond with my 14 year old niece over this. She told me that I've always been cool and am not like all the other males in my family, whom are all "homophobic, discriminatory, ding-dongs." LOL!