She came out

Forgive me, I don't have another outlet yet. But, a few days ago, our lovely (college-age) daughter came out to us, her parents. (As I told her, it's her decision to tell whom she wants to tell, family included).

I'll never forget the moment she said, "I'm gay," through tears and fear, even though she knew in her heart neither her mom or I would care. But, obviously, that's a huge statement to make, so I completely understand her anxiety. I'm grateful that I was holding her as she cried and said it. It was pure heart and love. I'll never forget that moment and how it physically felt.

I don't think I've ever been prouder of her, and y'all, I've been awfully proud through the years. She's so smart, so talented, so unafraid to chase musical theatre, and this week has reaffirmed how fearless she really is. I'm happy she's found this now, and isn't questioning it anymore. And I hope that my telling her that in the moment resonates.

Also, well, not surprised either. But still proud, though Podunk, NC, will be tough, and she understands that. Thankfully, she's in school in NYC.

We'll fight and love as needed.

Thanks for hearing me out. I love my kid.

 

Well said. Beautifully said.

And yeah, I'll admit it: I'm glad to hear she's in school in NYC. And if that's the best place for her, I hope she can stay in a more accepting environment than North Carolina, which simply ain't the enlightened place it has claimed to be for the years I have lived in it.

And if that's the way it works, that's the price that Trumpist bigots pay for their iron fist: They will have driven a talented, productive and honorable person out of their midst.

 

She told me that night, "When you told me you cried watching FUN HOME, I knew that you knew."

I saw FUN HOME on a solo trip to NYC about seven years ago. That made for a much-needed laugh.

 

You're doing a good job as a parent, @UNCGrad.

Our daughter came out to us a year or so ago, and we haven't actually told either side of our families, but my wife's side has picked up on clues, and it hasn't gone well and nobody will actually talk to us about it. They just talk amongst themselves. With our daughter's blessing, we're going to tell everyone in the family pretty soon and let the cards fall where they may. We may be disowned by the Trump lovers (which is pretty much all of them), but I'm beyond giving a shit what they think. She's our daughter and we're going to love her.

Both of our kids are in high school band, and they've formed a circle of friends that includes a bunch of LGBTQ+ kids. Many of them are out to us but not their own parents, so I think our attitudes toward them helped our daughter in her journey. We're kinda the safe house for these kids who tell us things they would never tell their parents.

 

This is beautiful. You're a really good dad @UNCGrad.
Thank you for sharing such an intimate moment.

 

Had a friend come out to me. It was rumored, so not a shock. I just said I'm glad he trusted me and felt honored by it - I didn't add that it wouldn't change the way I thought about him in any way, but I suppose he knew that already.

 

Geez, please tell those family people I said to fuck right off, too.

Who gives a damn? Let people be whomever they want to be. God-squadders are worse.

 

My oldest came out at 16. “Dad,” she said, “I like girls.” My response, with a smile: “I know.”

The second coming-out came during the summer of 2020. “I’m having surgery as part of my transition.” I had to say that didn’t really come as a surprise, either.

Two years on, he’s never been more at peace and happy — which makes me peaceful and happy.

@UNCGrad , sounds like you and yours handled it very well, and being in NYC will be good. My oldest went to law school in New Orleans, which helped him in many, many ways.

 

Beautiful and perfect.

 

A great day. Love of the household to you all.

 

Good on you. Outside of the foaming-mouth Trumpers, its seems like young people are so much more fluid in who they are and therefore so much more accepting of all.

 

Well done. It isn't that hard to be a loving parent - other than dealing with the intolerant assholes.

I've known my niece was gay for 35 years now. It was never a big deal to me.