How does a lesbian "come out of the closet"

i go to a very small school, so everybody knows everybodys buisness. im a very social person and have lots of friends. but my "lots" of friends dont know I like girls. i've known since like 4th grd that I liked girls, but I dated boys to possibly get over it. that obviously wasnt working because as I got older I found myself getting less attracted to males.
now my friends have thrown out there that im a lesbian but I laugh with them and go on like im not. my parents....probably wonder why I stare at girls in public and why my walls are full of woman pictures haha.
i know I should tell my family already. I have a gay uncle, two gay cousins, and two lesbian cousins. my mom has already said she wouldnt care. but im terrified to tell them. I feel like theyd look down on me, because most gays are?...or be embarassed. I dont want to spend my senior year friendless nor without my family.
but this is honestly overwhelming to the point where its just on my mind. like I cant stop thinking "who should I tell first" or "when and where should I tell them". its all om focused on, not schoolwork or anything.
i know that was long....but I just wanted people to have a better understanding, where im coming from. so comment if you can help(:

That wasn't long at all compared to some... most of the questions I ask! :-)

If you're having trouble focusing on your schoolwork, then consider talking to one of the counselors your school probably provides for free. That counselor is legally bound to keep what you say confidential.

If you can really trust one of your gay relatives, talk to him / her about what it was like coming out in your family. That might give you some insight about how to handle your parents.

Those two things an help you figure out what your best next move is.

In the meantime, try to breathe and give yourself permission not to have all the answers right now.

BABY GIRL.....You're busting at the seams, so you have to share this. You owe it to your relationship with your parents---talk to them first. Chances are, they love you no matter what, okay? But Senior Year in small town usa is not the time to broadcast that you're a lesbian. Save it for after graduation. High School is a severely judgemental time. Finish, and have a great graduation! As a Mom of a beautiful Bi-sexual daughter, I can say that who ever she brings to family dinners is perfectly great, and her happiness is my Sunshiny Day.