Search form

Scroll To Top
coming out

Father Seeks Inspiring Advice on Reddit After Son Comes Out

dad-reddit-2.jpeg
Nick Karvounis/Unsplash

An accepting father reached out to Reddit users for advice after accidentally finding out his son is gay.

Coming out isn't necessarily a simple conversation. We've all heard of (or experienced) unfortunate coming outs that end with unaccepting parents going to awful extremes to reject, avoid, or ignore their child's sexuality or identity. Luckily, this isn't one of those stories.

After a reddit user accidentally found out his son is gay, he turned to the askgaybros thread of Reddit for advice on how to start the conversation with his eldest son or if he should bring it up at all:

"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.

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."

The understanding father was virtually applauded for cautiously handling the conversation and asking for advice. Most of the responses were supportive and advised either carefully broaching the subject or waiting for his son to come out on his own terms. Many of the responses also hoped he would update them if anything happened.

That update came two days later:

"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.

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. I would also like to thank the /r/askgaybros community for being very welcoming and warm to me!"

Hopefully this act of understanding and support can lead to many more.

Advocate Channel - The Pride StoreOut / Advocate Magazine - Fellow Travelers & Jamie Lee Curtis

From our Sponsors

Most Popular

Latest Stories

Nicholas Richard Rees