Here’s A Gay Man’s Advice On What To Do If You Think Your Child Is LGBTQ

Here’s A Gay Man’s Advice On What To Do If You Think Your Child Is LGBTQ

Jack Remmington was sitting at a Mariah Carey-themed slot machine in Las Vegas when he had a life-changing encounter.

A man who appeared to be in his forties approached Remmington — a musician who is part of the duo Jack & Joel and rose to fame as a competitor on The X Factor (U.K.) — and his friend Marco Alessi. After a few minutes of conversation, the stranger, a native of rural Arkansas, asked the pair if they were gay.

When the two confirmed that yes, indeed they were (the Mariah slots and their pink attire were apparent tells), the man revealed he had a 13-year-old son who he believed might be part of the LGBTQ community. He then asked for advice on how to “navigate that”; Remmington recounted this in a story shared on Twitter Wednesday that has since gone viral.

Remmington and Alessi, drawing from their own experiences growing up, offered a series of tips for the concerned parent. Remmington recommended “normalising conversations around gay kisses on TV” and avoiding family conversations “that might shame potential queerness.”

In this vein, Remmington said the dad should avoid “policing” behavior or clothing that may be gender-nonconforming. He also recommended making their acceptance of LGBTQ people known — but not in a way that would attempt to force a child to come out before he, she, or they are ready.

“When I was about 12, my obviously straight brother and I were watching a soap with my dad and there was a gay kiss on screen,” Remmington recalled from his own experience. “I vividly remember my dad saying if either of us ever thought we were gay that we would still be just as loved by our mum and dad.

“Knowing that nothing would change stuck with me hugely and I remember that convo as if it was yesterday – it was *clearly* said for my benefit but was comfortable enough that it wasn’t a direct exchange and I appreciate my dad so much for this,” Remmington praised of his father’s remarks.

Remmington then lauded the Arkansas dad for reaching out for advice. “He’s clearly doing all the right things and is making his son feel as comfortable as he can. Take notes people this is how it’s done!! Particularly given that the boy is growing up far out of a metropolitan city this kind of unconditional love and support is invaluable.”

Read the full Twitter thread below — and feel free to leave your own advice for parents in the comments.

Previous Ellen DeGeneres Faces Backlash After Defending Kevin Hart During Interview | Don Lemon Criticizes Kevin Hart For Making Himself The Victim Instead Of LGBT Community
Next Guarding You Against You

About author

You might also like

The Happenings 17 Comments

Woman Claims She’s the Real Cookie Lyon, Sues ‘Empire’ Creators

A Detroit woman named Sophia Eggleston, who says she is the “real-life Cookie Lyons,” has filed a $300 million lawsuit against Empire co-creator Lee Daniels and Fox, claiming that Daniels

The Happenings 11 Comments

Judge Tosses Lawsuit By Woman Suing ‘All Homosexuals’ On Behalf Of Jesus

A federal judge has dismissed a woman’s lawsuit which she filed against all gay people, for Jesus’ sake. The Christian woman from Nebraska last week filed a lawsuit against the

The Happenings 10 Comments

People are saying Beyoncé is behind Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid’

The world is still reacting to the news that Halle Bailey is officially going to play Ariel in the live-action remake of Disney’s classic animation, The Little Mermaid. And some

7 Comments

  1. MagDiva
    January 06, 07:51 Reply

    This speaks to me!! For about 2 years now, I’ve believed my 10 year old is gay. Don’t ask me how I know – a mother just knows these things. Would it change anything, heck no! He will still be the loving, kind child that he is and still my son.

    I’ve tried having this conversation with the other half to gauge his reaction and I guess prep him for what is to come in the future. For now, he’s happy playing the ostrich and pretending there’s nothing there and it’s all my imagination. All I know is that when that time comes, I will make sure he knows that regardless of what some might think, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with him and our love, support and respect for him is still 100%

    • Mandy
      January 06, 08:07 Reply

      The fact that your 10 year old has a mom that reads KD… That little guy is fortunate. I’m glad you’re already looking out for him. I hope there are more parents like you in our generation looking out for their LGBTQ kids in the upcoming generations.
      And guard against your hubby messing up your child’s psyche with any masculine expectations.

    • Black Dynasty
      January 07, 10:47 Reply

      Your son is lucky to have a mother like you who loves him unconditionally.

Leave a Reply