I came out to my mom when I was a freshmen college student at the University of Texas, back in 1987. So, I have learned the benefits of coming out a long time ago - it's about honesty, and that's how you build close bonds, not from keeping secrets.

Last year, I flew up to Michigan and took my mom to dinner. BEFORE THE MAIN COURSE ARRIVED, I said "Look there's something I have to tell you. Because I can't keep it a secret anymore." I then very quickly added "Now this is nothing bad!"

I explained, "Look I have another website that I've never told you about" and she very quickly interrupted "I already know about it"

Well what she didn't know was how well it was doing.

From between the time I quit my last "real job" in 1996 and for all those subsequent years living way below the poverty line, not to mention disentangling myself out of a nine year relationship, she's helped me countless times with money and anything else so that I could keep my idea of a web business going. (In fact, that was another one of my lead-ins "You know how I've not had to ask you for money in awhile?")

So when I told her about how friskyfans was doing her jaw just dropped. And she said, "I'm so happy for you" and she mused over her son "the porn mogul" And after getting all that out, I was able to enjoy the entire dinner.

Now I did make it a point to say that I just write about it... I'm not in it.

Several weeks ago, I decided to take my mom to Las Vegas for her birthday. This was so neat, because this was something I've never been able to do. We stayed at the Riviera and saw La Cage (she's never seen a drag show before), we had two great dinners there, and we went to the Star Trek Convention at the Hilton... cause she took me to my first Star Trek convention in 1977.

I know she worried about me and where I was going with my life for years. If you are doing well, no matter at what, I think your parents ultimately will appreciate it.

Steve