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My Son Is Not Gay - He is Simply My Son

Date: 
08/08/2002
Teaser: 

On the 3rd September 1977 I cried. On that day my son was born. He was healthy and correctly formed: ten fingers, ten toes and the spout was in the right place. If memory serves me correctly, I even prayed to the Lord for THE deliverance—which is cool because I’m not even religious; until it suits me! (By the way, the missus came through it all smiling–read ‘painfully grimacing’).

Source: 
MrCreasote

I mean, what more could a father ask? Our first born—a beautiful, bouncing, healthy, nine-and-a-half-pound—heir! You beauty!

I’d done my job!

He had the usual upbringing. My job required us to move every four to five years which took us both nationally and internationally until he reached 20 years of age. In all that time he was your average, healthy, sporty (he was even a lifesaver at a famous Gold Coast beach!), easy going (he was the one who couldn’t care less about the soccer ball in the junior soccer league–he was more interested in talking to the opposition), carefree, responsible (except the time he got caught drinking alcohol before school), mature, caring, friendly and outgoing kind of guy.

Cut to the quick.

Was I shocked on the day he told me he was gay? No. Relieved perhaps. I had my suspicions though. His moodiness–and bloody-minded secretiveness–during his teenage years was almost unbearable. Retrospection is a marvellous thing. Of course now I know he was hurting. Hurting inside. Coming to terms with who he really was...is.

My perspective

I do not openly announce to anyone that my son is gay. Why should I? I simply cannot see the relevance. What business is it of any person (family, friend or associate) that my son is gay! I do not in any normal conversation concerning my daughter suddenly amplify ‘Oh, by the way, ‘K’ is heterosexual you know!’ Why then should I announce to those same people, ‘Oh, by the way, ‘J’ is homosexual you know!’ Equality!

I am proud that my son has had the intestinal fortitude (read guts!) to be who he is. I am proud that my son does not throw his sexuality in the face of strangers (read ‘rent-a-crowd’). I am proud that my son stands in society with unabashed, though respectful, dignity. I am proud my son has found a partner who he sincerely and unreservedly loves and respects.

I am proud–and I love–my son.

© Gay Australia 2002