Bisexual father keeps it secret

DEAR ABBY: I am a single father of teenage boys. I have always played an active role in my children’s lives, physically, emotionally and financially. My older son lives with me; my younger sons live with their mother.

I am bisexual and have always been attracted to both men and women. It took me a long time to admit it to myself. I suffered from depression for many years as I struggled with my sexual identity.

Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with HIV. Since then, I have been on medication and live a very healthy lifestyle.

None of my children knows about my sexuality or my diagnosis. I have wanted to tell them for a while now, but I can never bring myself to do it. I’m afraid that if I tell them, they’ll be ashamed of me and it will add unnecessary stress in their lives. On the other hand, I’m tired of keeping secrets. Furthermore, I worry about the possibility that they could find out from someone else.

All four of us will be together for an event in a couple of months. I feel this could be a good opportunity to tell them. Or should I tell them on their own, individually? Am I selfish for wanting to tell my children? Or am I foolish for not telling them? — KEEPING SECRETS

DEAR KEEPING SECRETS: If your children ask you about your health or your sexual orientation, do not lie to them. However, I see no reason for you to make a blanket announcement about this now because I sincerely believe that most young people do not care to know.

If you wind up partnering with another man, they will at some point begin to draw their own conclusions. If your health takes a turn for the worse, they will need to know your status. Until then, my advice is to keep mum.