Hi, and congratulations for taking a big step. I'm glad it went so well, your girlfriend and friend are gems beyond price. Give them a hug from all of us, and I mean that literally.

It's good to hear a coming out story like yours.
As for your parents, maybe they should read this book that is out, about this bloke called Jesus and his story telling. He had a really good one about this bloke that got mugged, and was only helped by a Samaritan, of all people. Otherwise known as, "scum of the earth." They might find it a bit instructive.
You might remind them that this Jesus fellow came to a bad end at the hands of the so-called "good people" as well.
Karen.