Dustin Lance Black has responded to anti-gay hate over baby news in the best way – with ‘strength and love’
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Dustin Lance Black has reacted to anti-gay hate by speaking of his “strength and love.”
Former Olympic medallist Tom Daley, 23, and his Oscar-winning husband, 43, announced they were expecting a child on Wednesday.
It is believed the pair are using a surrogate, whose identity is being kept private.
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black
The joy prompted by a social media post of the couple holding an ultrasound of their first child was soon joined by hateful comments.
The most prominent voice among these detractors was The Daily Mail’s consistently anti-LGBT columnist Richard Littlejohn.
Littlejohn published a column yesterday insisting that gay parenting was “not normal”, including the line “pass the sick bag”.
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He asked readers: “But where’s the mum, the possessor of the womb which features in this photograph?
“She appears to have been written out of the script entirely.”
It is likely that the pair’s surrogate has chosen anonymity because of fears of nasty intrusions into her private life.
Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black
The inflammatory column led advertisers including London’s Southbank Centre, Quorn and Center Parcs to cut ties with the newspaper.
Radio station LBC apologised “unreservedly” after PinkNews asked why it had tweeted to its 260,000 followers: “Tom Daley and his husband are having a baby.
“Is there something sinister about the woman’s exclusion in this scenario?”
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In the face of all this ignorance and hate, Black could have lashed out.
It would have been only human to feel frustrated or furious with the abuse he and his husband have received simply for making an announcement people make every day.
But in a post which has been retweeted by Daley, Black wrote that he would not give in to his these emotions.
(Twitter/dlanceblack)
“My reaction to others’ hate, bigotry & misinformation will not include anger or hate,” he said.
“For me, the path forward is lit with curiosity, listening, correcting the record when possible, and as best I can, leading with an example of strength & love.”
People have welcomed this reaction, meeting it with praise – and even offers to babysit.
One wrote: “Exactly. Silence the trolls. Block the haters. Surround yourself with positivity, love and kindness.”
(Twitter/leafsgrl)
“Thank you for leading by example ❤️❤️” said another. “And while I believe you’ll both be loving and devoted dads, it takes a village to raise a child – and we’re a whole rainbow village out here ready to help ☺️ “.
(Twitter/quadmum)
One fan wrote: “What a great example to set to us all, and to your child This is one of the many reasons why you’re going to be amazing parents! “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” Lots of love to you both – love will ALWAYS win! ❤️ ”
(Twitter/lovelylaurajd)
Another said: “You never fail to inspire us! Love is always the key! And there’s not doubt that you’ll be a great example for your child! Maybe there’re some haters and bigots out there, but WE are many many more!!❤❤❤”
(Twitter/lostinmikaland)
“I love you both!” another person wrote. “You are both an inspiration both together and apart.
(Twitter/tonimocurrie)
“Seeing you go from long distance, to married to now expecting YOUR first child together has been amazing! Love doesn’t discriminate! Love always wins! Congratulations again! You will be incredible parents ❤️”.
