About a month ago, a couple friends and I, from my school's Gay Straight Alliance, did a workshop at this conference called the MYAN Conference (Maine Youth Action Network). It was about creating "safer spaces" and coming out in high school and whatnot. Anyway, this kid who attended the meeting has been talking to me online for a few days now. He lives in central Maine, which is not quite as liberal as where I live. He told me today that he came out to his dad. He said his dad didn't say anything for a minute, then just said, "I'm gonna go upstairs and watch a movie." They haven't talked since 10:00 am this morning. It makes me so sad that some kids have to deal with that when my parents and brothers were so respectful and caring.
as you know some kids have to deal with worse, lets see how this pans out, you never know, he might get an apology from his dad, some how I doubt it, but we'll see. if he doesn't live with his dad I think its much easier S
Ugh yeah its so bad when parents don't respond warmly...last year in my acting class, before anyone knew I was gay, I did a monologue of someone pretty much in that same situation...sigh
It's sad, and a poor response, but walking away is perhaps better for that dad than talking about it. He might end up saying something more hurtful. When he has a chance to check his feelings, and the time is right, he may find a way to express his love. You know, few if any parents would wish for a gay child. Even gay parents. You want your child to grow up and have an unencumbered life. It's good that he has friends who feel for him, like you and a support network like MYAN. I have never had a sit down or direct conversation with my dad. He only talks about fishing, bowling, sports and cards. He doesn't talk about politics or religion or gay. So, if we were to have a conversation about being gay, it would be a bunch of non sequiturs. ~Dad, why haven't you ever told me what you think about me being gay? Don't know, but the Twins are playing in Wisconsin tomorrow. ~What does the Twins have to do with being gay. No. No, none of the Twins are gay, where'd you hear that? .
IMO, indifference is better than a negative response: Having his dad walk away is perhaps better than having him threatening to send him to see a psychiatrist or even an exorcist or something like that.
hell, my dad threw me out of the house yelling faggot the whole time when i came out. It just made me a stronger person, though. I'm sure everything will work itself out for the kid...
That is sad... however, the dad may have to really think about his response. He might feel that if he'd reacted at the time, he'd have reacted badly. Parents are people too! But I truly hope the dad has a talk with him and that it works out. My mom was a little surprised, though not shocked, and she was very cool. She is fine because I am bi and she maintains that's not the same as gay- and hey- whatever works for her... I am happy she is being cool.
I agree with Rainbow .. that may have been his way of saying "I need time to digest this so I don't say or do something I will regret". Also, it is a real good thing that his dad didn't freak out and phyiscally harm the kid. I hope it works out for him. @happyonehit420 - I am glad things worked out for you, it shows your strength. I live in Bryan/College Station. 90 miles east of Austin, 90 miles north of Houston. peace out, bob
