Amy Dickinson, better known as the syndicated advice columnist of “Ask Amy,” received a rather ridiculous request from a parent who asked how to “deal with” her gay son … Neither the parent nor Amy’s readers likely expected her response. The parent, who expressed that she couldn’t help “Feeling Betrayed,” and expressed great concern for her gay son.
Here is the letter she wrote:
As a response to this utterly ignorant plea for advice, Amy had an appropriate response: she suggested the parent to change their sexual orientation to:
“… show him how easy it is. Try it for the next year or so: Stop being a heterosexual to demonstrate to your son that a person’s sexuality is a matter of choice — to be dictated by one’s parents, the parents’ church and social pressure.
I assume that my suggestion will evoke a reaction that your sexuality is at the core of who you are. The same is true for your son. He has a right to be accepted by his parents for being exactly who he is.
When you “forget” a child’s birthday, you are basically negating him as a person. It is as if you are saying that you have forgotten his presence in the world. How very sad for him.
Pressuring your son to change his sexuality is wrong. If you cannot learn to accept him as he is, it might be safest for him to live elsewhere.
A group that could help you and your family figure out how to navagate this is Pflag.org. This organization is founded for parents, families, friends, and allies of LGBT people, and has helped countless families through this challenge. Please research and connect with a local chapter.”
Amy Dickenson’s response is perfect. And timely, too, as many families are discovering they have a loved one who is gay. Dickinson deserves kudos for addressing this matter in a straightforward matter and encouraging families to unconditionally love their children regardless of their sexuality. People are who they are, and who cares who they love?