Vulynn,
I too have a pretty conservative and religious extended family.
This might sound mean, but I'll be real about my feelings.
As a kid, I loved my extended family. When I began to learn about the world and it's issues, I grew to not like them. I felt that most of their views were close-minded and were the type of beliefs that perpetuated things like discrimination, pollution, and fear.
Before coming out, I would join my mother less and less to visit the extended family. When it came time to come out, I had no care whatsoever what they thought about it. I figured I knew what they would think (negative response) and didn't care to hear their opinions.
Well, I'm surprised to see that the few from my extended family that I keep in touch via social networking are supportive! I haven't had anyone say anything bad, nor have I felt abandonment from any of them.
It seems I was the close-minded one who abandoned them. Surely, I underestimated their compassion and understanding.
I'm very pleased with the positive outcome. Not to give you one more thing to worry about, but... I noticed my mother had the same fears in regard to coming out to her family (about me) as I did when I was coming out to her. I noticed the same with my girlfriend coming out to her family. That feeling of dread/fear before coming out is something I wouldn't wish on anyone, so I'm glad that it is over and everything worked out well.
After you come out to your mother, understand that she might then have fears about coming out to the extended family. This is a great opportunity to share your experience and offer support. In my case, it strengthened our relationship very much.
Sounds like you're in for an awesome college experience!
