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Leo doesn't know when he knew Master Splinter knew he was gay.
There was no big announcement. There was no late night conversation that happened where both of them opened up about old wounds and deep secrets. Leo had searched for some kind of point he could find and settle on. Except, there was nothing.
All four of the brothers knew about Splinter's intolerance for bigotry. He taught them at an early age about equality, how people have built institutions in the world to take away the basic rights of people, and how to give respect. He taught them how to spot when a situation was a regular violence one and which one was a hate crime. It was their sensei that taught them the world can be a good place if power was placed in the hands of the right people. Somehow, it was Leo and his brothers who were the right people.
Like any city, New York had its fair share of assholes. So many times they had to stop someone from beating another person to death or trying to assault them just because of something so trivial. Either race, gender, or sexuality. Leo did not feel the least bit ashamed in letting Raph go too hard with punching someone.
But, when moments like that happened, Leo felt his mood sink. Bad enough that the sight of his turtle features would send anyone running, but the fact that he was gay? Humans would become even more enraged at that. People were so stupid.
But, not his people.
Raph was the first of the brothers that Leo came out to. The hothead had listened with patience, waited for Leo to wipe his tears, and embraced him. That action alone was enough for Leo to find the courage to tell his youngest brothers.
Donnie had been a bit awkward. The genus had stuttered, offered a shaky congratulations, and then gone back to his laptop. Leo had caught a glimpse of it, and saw Donnie reading on LGBT+ blogs on how to be an ally. The sight warmed his heart and he gave Donnie a tight hug, almost cracking his shell.
Mikey had just brightened and asked if they could throw a party to celebrate. When Leo said no, he had to endure his youngest brother whining about how it would be a fun party, like he had been reborn so it would have birthday cake, it would be so much fun-
No, Leo didn't have to worry about his brothers. But, he had felt some anxiety telling Splinter. The man lived and breathed traditional, and only now was getting used to the modern ideas now. And yet, Splinter always kept on surprising Leo.
One day, while in the dojo enjoying tea, Splinter had looked at Leo and spoke softly. "In case you didn't know," he said, voice as light as the dust motes filtering from above. "I am aware you're gay."
Thank God Leo wasn't drinking tea or else he would have choked on it. "Do you-Do you care?' he asked, more hesitant than ever.
Splinter gave him a warm smile. "I care that you are well in both body and mind. I care that you are safe. I care that one of my sons knows that he can come to me for any issue, no matter what. What kind of father would I be to abandon a blessing like you, my son?"
The relief and love Leo felt at that moment brought him to tears. He tried to stop them, but they just poured out. Splinter already had his arms opened for Leo to launch himself into them. Both of them embraced, a moment of peace found in their rather chaotic, loud life.