If your child came to you and told you....(inspired by Snoopy)

[Mskanga]

That he or she is gay, what would you do? Would you accept it? would you deny it and think it's just a phase? would you just turn your back on them?
I have thought about that many times and I really would not care what my children's lifestyle would be as long as they were happy, I would never turn my back on them, dh on the other hand I don't think would be so supportive or understanding but if the situation arises he may think differently.

 

[cinlee3]

I have thought about this too. I believe my DH and I would both accept it although I have to admit it would be difficult.

 

[janette]

Accept it, I can't understand any other reaction.

 

[Kitty 34]

Accept it and hope their life is filled with acceptance and joy. I have known many gays in my life and have no problems with their "way of life".

 

[Laurabearz]

No problems with it here....... DH's brother is gay, and although it isnt really discussed it is accepted.

 

[Mermaid02]

I would probably worry about the way society was going to treat him or her.... but never about the way our family would treat him or her..... I can't imagine not accepting my children for who they are.

 

[GEM]

I would totally accept it, but I would be a little worried about some of the tough times they will face in their lives - discrimination and unkindness from others, etc. I have lots of very close friends and a few family members who happen to be gay. Their sexual preference is no more an issue to me than their hair or eye color. In fact, my husband and I have decided that my cousin and her partner will be the ones to raise our children should anything ever happen to the both of us. There wasn't even any question, we've always known that they would be the ones. The fact that they are gay didn't even enter into the decision. We were more concerned with the kind of people they are and the kind of home we knew they would be able to provide.

 

[loisg1]

Accept it. DHs sister has two DDs and one of them is gay. Don't really know how his sister feels about it but DHs parents definitely feel very negative about it. They feel she chose to be gay. DH feels that you're born that way and it's not an actual choice. I agree with you GEM, that I'd be concerned about any obstacles they'd face in their future.

 

[Talking Hands]

Accept without question. Not a problem for me. I would worry how my inlaws would react though.

 

[jldriscoll]

Wouldn't be a problem for us at all.....Of course I would worry about how society would treat her....but then again....I'm already worried about her dating boys and what could happen.....I think the worry will be there no matter what!

 

[snoopy]

Accept without question. So would DH. We are tolerant people and have friends who are gay and lesbian. My parents were also very tolerant, my inlaws not. I wouldn't want to imagine their reaction if one of their children or grandchildren came to them with that revelation.

 

[Mskanga]

I think dh would accept it but it would be difficult for him to come to terms with it, but his DB is gay and he has a bit of difficulty accepting, yet he doesn't turn his back on him.

 

[believe]

I love my children unconditionally, but I would not tell them I support their lifestyle....I would not turn my back on them but they would know that this is not how God intended for His children to live.

 

[bsnyder]

One of my cousins is gay. It took a long time for the older generation (his parents, my mother, etc.) to accept it. Because of that, for many years, he didn't come home very often.

Fortunately, over time, the older generation finally realized that part of being family means unconditional love. My cousin and his partner have been coming home for family events and visits for a few years now. Two years ago they adopted a little baby boy from China. I'm looking forward to seeing them again in a few weeks, at the family Christmas Eve party. It's a great reminder of how time can heal wounds and how important individual family members are, regardless of things like this!

As for me, yes, I'd accept it. But, in addition to my cousin, I have several close friends who are gay and I know how difficult it has made their lives.

 

[RoqueC]

Originally posted by believe
I love my children unconditionally, but I would not tell them I support their lifestyle....I would not turn my back on them but they would know that this is not how God intended for His children to live.

You do know that there are gy animals, right? People don't choose to be gay, it just happens. It's nature. If you really think god has a problem with homosexuality, than you are sadly mistaken. Homosexuality is natural.

 

[Katie]

Accept it..but be worried about reactions from other(personal and stranger).

also be a little disappointed..no grandkids and the typical "nuclear" family would no longer be a possiblity!

Honestly..I will say..I hope i NEVER have to go down that road!

 

[lisajl]

We have talked about this often. My DH had a cousin that was gay, she died due to motorcycle accident. He also has a niece that is gay.
My MIL has a few problems with it. My sil has a few problems, but the one who cannot accept it is the nieces' godmother.
It happens to be the other sil. She keeps writing to her and telling her horrible things. Things like God hates her for her lifestyle, etc.

We may not agree with the lifestyle, but we love her.
I don't know why she is gay, nor do I think is a choice.

I have talked to my DD about this quite often.

I always tell her that I would love her unconditionally.
That is exactly what I mean....unconditionally.

I am not saying I would not have problems with it, but it would be my problem and not hers.

Lisajl

 

[kinlaw6450]

For me it is a non issue. My very best friend is gay and he is very much a large part of my life. My kids know and have asked plenty of questions. Some of which we haven't answered yet.

I think with all they do know that coming out (if that is what they intend to do) won't be a problem in our house.

Now for the inlaws it would be a HUGE issue so I don't quite know how we will deal with that.

 

[ASFCurly]

I would accept it, I already had to go through that process with my Mom (she is gay)

I would difinately worry though, when I was younger I had a hard time accepting my Mom, but mostly because I was worried about myself, I was a rather shy child and there are still plenty of people that are not very accepting, and as hard as it might be on the person that is gay, for most kids of people that are gay (the ones that I know at least) it is a whole lot harder, because people tend to assume that they are gay too, I had a good friend who all of the sudden refused to see me when she found out.

I don't have a problem with it, but I know that my Dad would.

 

[mamajoan]

There are lots of variances when it comes to relationships. We have told our kids from the time they were teens that if they are gay .. ok.. just tell us and we will deal with it.
Acceptance- yes, unconditional love-yes, complete understanding.. give me some time...help me to understand what your life is all about.
so far everyone is hetero... but you never know what life will have in store for you.