CH 6 IRE #10

Gays & Lesbians: What would be your reaction if your college age son or daughter came home and told
you that they were homosexual? In what way, if any, would this impact your relationship with your
child? What would be your reaction if your spouse came home and told you that s/he was
homosexual? In what way, if any, would this impact your relationship with your spouse? Compare and
contrast the reaction you would have to your child's announcement with the reaction you would have to
your spouse.

Because of religion and my personal liking of the opposite gender it is hard for me to imagine
being gay or lesbian. I do not find it natural and I would be lying if I said it doesnt make me uncomfortable
at times. I am very pro-choice though, and everyones happiness to their own. I believe it something you
cannot choose, weather to be gay or not, it is simply part of who you are. There is no way I would ever
discriminate or treat anyone differently simply because they are gay. If sexual orientation is biologically
based, discrimination against gay men, lesbians, or bisexual women and men is especially unjustified. It
becomes no different than discriminating against someone because of their age, their gender, or their
race, all statuses over which we exercise no control (Strong, DeVault, Cohen 186). If my son or daughter
came to me I would do all I am capable of doing in the situation and love them and try my best to
understand and support them. It is obviously a hard thing to come out in this society and the last thing
they would need is the criticism from family. I believe Id have the same relationship with my child, and
would be glad that they were able to tell me. It definitely would be hard, but I will love my child and
support them no matter what. The situation would be a little different if it was my spouse. I would still feel
love and be grateful that they were confiding in me, but I would be extremely sad. This is the person I
chose to marry, and for them to tell me they are basically not attracted to me, but another sex would be
crushing and very hard. Our relationship would not be the same, but Id try again to give the best support
as it is probably harder on them. Though both are hard situations, a spouse telling me would be harder
because it affects my own relationship. All I can do with a child is support them and guide them, Id be a
little lost with the news from a spouse though.

References:
Strong, Bryan, Christine DeVault, and Theodore F. Cohen. The Marriage and Family Experience: Intimate
Relationships in a Changing Society. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2011. Print.