Photo: Courtesy of The Washington Post.
When it comes to human sexuality, Amy Dickinson — a.k.a. the Ask Amy columnist — might have one of the most poignant opinions to date. The
Washington Post
recently ran a story about a parent taking issue with their gay child. A parent, who goes by "Feeling Betrayed," asked for advice on ways to help their child "make the right choice in life by not being gay."
"He won’t listen to reason, and he will not stop being gay," Betrayed prefaced. The parent believed their son's reasoning for being gay was because they've forgotten his birthday for three consecutive years (that's the root of all homosexuality, right?). "He won’t listen to me, so maybe he will listen to you," said the parent.
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Has your heart rate sped up a little? This humble writer's sure did — especially in light of the recent progression this country has seen in terms of LGBTQ equality. Betrayed is a testament to how far the fight still has to go. Hope, however, comes through with allies like Dickinson:
"DEAR BETRAYED: You could teach your son an important lesson by changing your own sexuality to show him how easy it is. Try it for the next year or so: Stop being a heterosexual to demonstrate to your son that a person’s sexuality is a matter of choice — to be dictated by one’s parents, the parents’ church and social pressure. I assume that my suggestion will evoke a reaction that your sexuality is at the core of who you are. The same is true for your son."
Dickinson then points the parent towards various LGBTQ-friendly shelters. Amen. This is, by far, the easiest response to the whole "just stop being gay" remark. And, from this author, thank you. (The Washington Post)