Finding out that their child is gay is a big deal for most parents in that situation.
Many take it well, and many just don’t know what to say. One woman had just found out her son was gay and was afraid of saying the wrong thing. To avoid saying something that would scar him for life, she reached out for help.
She called a gay bar to ask for advice.
Kara Coley, the bartender, happened to answer the phone that night. She shared the conversation on social media:
“So, I got the most random phone call at the bar tonight! 😀
“Me: Good evening Thank you for calling Sipps!
“Lady on phone: Is this a gay bar?
“Me: Well we are an everybody bar but yes mostly gay.
“Lady: Can I ask you a (question)?
“Me: Sure.
…
“Lady: My son just came out to me, And I don’t want to say anything that may mess him up in the head.”
Coley had to think about it for a moment, then she knew exactly what to say.
She said, “You should definitely let him know that you love and accept him; I think everything will be OK from there!”
The woman thanked Coley for her help and hung up the phone. Coley posted the conversation on Facebook later that night. She got over 1,500 likes, and the post was shared hundreds of times.
She wasn’t expecting it to touch so many people, but many people commented with gratitude.
Melanie Jane Fleming wrote:
“My heart is truly touched by this. A parent wanting to support correctly, and a beautiful response. This is progress. This is love and acceptance in the rawest form.”
Dillin Rivera posted:
“It’s the little things like a random call for advice that can make a huge impact! Love your answer and love the mom’s sincerity and her being mindful about her son’s feelings.”
Coley didn’t expect her post to go viral, but she is glad that her kindness could touch others, as well.
She said:
“The response has been amazing. Every day, people wake up and there’s so much negativity in the world — people just need a breath of fresh air!”
She hopes that her post will help other parents understand how to handle the situation if their children come out to them. You don’t have to have a speech prepared as a response; you just need to be supportive of them.
Coley added:
“Just knowing you have someone in your corner takes a little weight off your shoulders.”
There are many support groups that can help parents understand how to talk to their gay and lesbian children.
In the end, it’s as simple as following your heart and saying what you would want to hear from your parents if the tables were turned.
Hopefully, Coley’s advice helped this mom and her son talk about the news in a healthy way.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
https://www.facebook.com/Kara.Terese.Coley/posts/10213775573957458
