Our Family Story

Written on August 23, 2005

Approximately 8 years ago our then 35 year old son, who lives out of state, came home for a weekend. That Sunday morning he asked to speak with us. He simply stated "I date men". This was not something he wanted, it was just the way he was. He had decided to live with his condition openly rather than hide it any longer. He also stated that he was the same person he had always been. He hoped we would understand and accept his lifestyle.

He knew he was different in high school. He did not have the same emotions, drives, etc. as his young male friends. At that time he did not know why.

Both my husband and I were disappointed. Since our son had lived on his own for at least ten years in another state, and was a successful professional, there was really nothing we could do but keep loving him and respecting his decision to live openly as a gay man. He was the son we had given birth to, raised, loved and respected.

My husband and I were raised in different Christian churches where we were taught that God created us all and that Jesus loved us all and died for all of us. We continue those beliefs.

We tell friends and relatives at appropriate times. We have not lived in the area where our sons grew up for 25 years. Our adult son's sexual orientation is of no interest to our friends and relatives.

Homosexuals (GLBT) are the last large minority group in this country without equal rights.

It is a shame they have to suffer the humiliations, discriminations and abuses the other minorities, such as African Americans, Women, Ethnic persons, etc. did before they were granted equal civil rights in this supposedly FREE country.

This country sends our young men to fight and die in foreign wars so that those people can live in freedom, with civil rights. This country welcomes illegal immigrants and allows them equal civil rights. This same country forbids equal civil rights to some of our own citizens.