Pat B.

Since I read your comments last night and this morning, I've been thinking of how to respond in the most constructive manner. I guess I'll start with that photograph of your son that you've shared with us. What a cute kid, I'm sure he is the light of your life, the apple of your eye, and the best thing that ever happened to you. I feel the same way about my 8 year old daughter, Ally. What if one day your son comes to realize he is gay? Will he tell you? I mean, how would you take it? Would you stop loving your son? Of course you wouldn't. Well, the truth is that a lot of our nations' sons and daughters have come to similar realizations whether their folks liked it or not. The question is what kind of society are they going to "come out" to. Too many of our fellow human beings have suffered mightily over time. Too many have committed suicide out of shame. Too many of them have been beaten because they were "queer". I don't want anymore Matthew Sheppards. I don't want kids feeling unworthy of partaking in all that life offers. I don't want them treated like second class citizens. That's my piece on the matter.

Peter T.