What would you do....

[illinoisbuckeye]

At my work, there are many people that are gay and one that considers themselves "bisexual." I personally cannot see why anyone could discriminate them or hate them as they are probably the nicest people around and they have their heads on straight, never really judging since they are always being judged. I am not a parent, and this is not to offend anyone out there, but I cannot see how you could reject your child because of a choice they made.

I was talking to one of the guys that is openly gay. I asked him if he was attending college right now and he told me that he did not have the money. This kid works during the day at Culvers and than comes at night to where I work. He said that his dad's parents had given him a ton of money so that when he graduated high school, he would not have to work this much to get an education and suceed in life. When he came out gay, his father quit contact with him. This kid had his future set for the next few years but was screwed because of his parents. I just cannot see how you can judge someone that you once felt and loved for. If and when I have children, I know that I could never do something like this to them. As other have said, it's hard enough in society to be "accepted" as a gay person, but when your opportunities are taken away because of it, that is just plain wrong.

 

[JXC]

There seems to be some consensus here as to what to do/how to feel if you have a child who's gay. A more dynamic question might be, "How would you feel if you found out that a good friend was gay?".

As I mentioned in my first post in this thread, my best friend is gay. He came out openly in '97 (you would never know it by looking at or talking with this guy). We played for the same rugby club and there was a wide range or reactions to this news.

I have friends that are gay...but i've never had a friend that said he was straight, and then ended up coming out later. I think if I had a friend that was gay but was in hiding, they'd probably come to me first since I make it quite obvious that I don't judge about things like that. It DEFINITELY wouldn't bother me if any of my close friends were gay. It's not like it would change anything. Even if they were attracted to me, so what? Girls that I don't find attractive have been attracted to me...it doesn't mean I can't be their friend.

Another question is...if somebody who is gay tells you that you look good, or that they are attracted to you, or hits on you...are you offended or flatered?

Personally...I think it is flattering. I don't necessarly feel good having to tell somebody I don't feel the same, whether it's a girl or a guy. If a girl tells me they are attracted to me, and I'm not attracted to them, I would feel the exact same way. It's flattering, but uncomfortable a little bit just becuase the feeling isn't returned.