How Would You Respond?

Several years ago my son stopped by to visit. I could tell by the way he was pacing, he had something on his mind. We stepped outside to talk, and finally he told me he wanted to tell me something. He told me he thought he had romantic feelings for a good friend of his. His friend is male.

How would you react to this news, from your adult child?

I’ve heard many replies that vary from supportive, to downright cruel.

I would disown them. Really? You would turn your back on your child? They need to get right with God. Do you think that God wasn’t his creator as well? He’s going to Hell, it’s a sin. Isn’t judging someone a sin? Gays are sick. Fags need to be shot. The list goes on and on.

When I hear people say these things, it hurts. It hurts because he’s my child, and I love him with all my heart and soul. It hurts because I know there are so many cruel people in this world. It hurts because I know he will have a hard time finding acceptance among certain crowds or groups.

To turn my back on my son, when he came to me with this news, would be a sad situation on my part. I think the reason so many LGBT kids take their lives is because they have no one to turn to. I’m happy my kids can come to me, and talk to me, no matter what the situation.

Our family is very conservative, so there are many that don’t know. Not because I’m ashamed to tell them, but because I’m afraid of what they might say, whether it’s to me, or to him. As a Mother, I want to protect my child.

Is my son happy? Very. He’s been in a monogamous relationship for 5 years. He has completed his Masters degree. He has a home. He hopes to adopt in the future.

How did I respond? With as much love and support as I could offer. He's my child, and I won't turn my back on him.