On a recent subway ride home, I found myself reflecting on the significance of National Coming Out Day, especially as I noticed a series of impactful PFLAG (Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies of Toronto’s LGBTQ community) posters. The messages resonated deeply with me, reminding me of my own coming out experience.
I vividly recall the day I told my mother about my sexual orientation. The anticipation was nerve-wracking; I feared her reaction and worried about her love for me. During a quiet dinner, I gathered my courage and said, “Mom, I need to share something important with you. I’m gay.” Tears streamed down my face as I struggled to express my truth. To my relief, her immediate response was a warm embrace, affirming, “You are my child, and I love you unconditionally.”
That moment was transformational. Coming out lifted the heavy weight of hiding my true self and opened doors to a brighter, more authentic life. While my parents ultimately embraced my identity, they, too, faced challenges in their journey of understanding. They sought guidance to navigate their feelings, a testament to the desire of parents everywhere to do right by their children.
As I step into the role of a father, my aspirations for my son, Lucas, are profound. I can’t fathom a parent being anything but supportive and loving. Sadly, not every child experiences such acceptance, and the thought of a parent rejecting their child based on their identity is unfathomable to me.
The day Lucas was born, we held him close and shared our dreams for his future. We penned a heartfelt letter that we want to share:
Leave a Reply