This dad couldn’t have handled his son’s coming out any better
One dad took to Reddit to ask for advice after he accidentally discovered his son is gay.
But what happened next is pretty special. In fact, many parents, even those accepting of LGBT children, could still learn something from the way he handles it.
The user, ‘QuietRiotNASCAR’, wrote on the ‘AskGayBros’ subreddit, to ask advice of what to do, after he accidentally discovered his son is gay.
He wrote: “Earlier today, my oldest son left his cell phone on the living room table. I noticed that someone has been blowing his cell up, and curious ol’ me decided to see what was going on.
“Well, I learned that he has been dating this boy from, what I assume to be his high school. I am not experienced on this topic, never really have been, til now at least.”
In a second post, he clarified his position that he would always be supportive of his sons.
He went on: “I’d like to clarify that I love both of my sons and would continue to do so no matter what. I’m a 37 year old from Arkansas. My son is 16, turning 17 in a few months.
“I’m basically asking for advice. My wife doesn’t know, and my son doesn’t know that I know. I’m going to post this tonight (Feb 10), and attempt to answer any advice given to me when I get home from work. Apologies if I’m off topic. I simply searched ‘ask gay’ and I got here. Moderators, if you do not want me here, just say so, no hard feelings. I would appreciate it if someone would give a stranger some kind advice. :)”
Then after a number of replies, from finding local support groups, to just staying supportive, the dad came back online to reflect on the day’s events. And it couldn’t have really gone better.
He continued: “Today has been a really eventful day.
“It all started with me casually asking my oldest if he’s seeing anyone this Valentine’s Day. I noticed that he got a little uncomfortable, and as any father would, I asked him what’s wrong. He went on about if I’d accept him no matter what. Well, as yall know, I 100% support my son, and after I told him that, he beat around the bush for a good 20 minutes. He ended up telling me that he’s gay, and has been seeing someone (which I already knew, of course). My wife and younger son were there, and everyone was happy with each other.
“His boyfriend is a 17 year old skinny blonde guy, who is out to his parents. My son allowed my wife and I to speak to him over the phone, and he seemed really sweet and caring. The boyfriend’s mother and my wife spoke to each other, and we decided to set up a little get-together, just to get to know eachother. My son and his boyfriend are going on a date to a local movie theater while the rest of us are meeting up, which will happen on the 14th.”
He continued: “I’m glad everything turned out great. In the end of the day, the only thing I want to see is my for my son to be happy, and I think he’s found that happiness.”
