Mother and son worry about disclosing sexuality
Dear Amy: Last year, my 16-year-old son came out as bisexual.
He is still struggling with this. My family has mainly been supportive. Even my father, who is a very conservative person and right-wing politically, has overcome his own prejudices in order to support his grandson.
The problem is my sister, who is even more extreme than my father. She likes to start arguments by making statements that are racist, homophobic, you name it.
My son was very afraid to tell her. He was afraid that she would not let him see his young cousins if she knew. He finally asked me to tell her, as he was tired of "pretending."
I am planning an upcoming family party. When I told my sister about my son, her first comment was, "I've thought he was gay ever since he was in elementary school." Her second comment was, "Wait, is he bringing a boyfriend to this? I don't want my kids exposed to that sort of thing."
Amy, she said she needs to "protect her children's innocence." She said that she loved my son, but didn't accept his behavior. She said she would be fine accepting a girlfriend, but not a boyfriend.
At that point, I uninvited her from the family event. She claims I am being hateful.
I love my niece and nephew. All of my children love their cousins.
I don't want my son exposed to a family member who feels that way about him, but would like to have a relationship with my niece and nephew. Any insights?
-- Mama Bear
...continued
