Do you owe your life to your family or even your parents?
You may or may not have heard that a 15 year old name Tyler came out on facebook recently. His father’s response was rather appalling. Instead of letting his son know that he loves him, the father told Tyler that his coming out is “worse than death”. He went on to tell his son that he shamed and embarrassed him. It’s sad this parent was unable to show and express unconditional love for his child. Tyler’s father’s reaction is exactly what gay people fear will happen. Instead of being met with support, they are lashed out on and sometimes even abandoned.
But during this father’s tirade, he does give us a glimpse of his mindset. You see he goes on to tell Tyler: “I’m going to puke. Whatever you do it reflects on me. People will ridicule me, insult me”. Obviously, the father is so caught up in himself that he cannot see that his son is in a major crisis. He cannot comprehend the distress that his child is in because he is too busy worrying about how he will be affected. The father is so self-involved that he tells his son “you are trying to ruin me”.
How pitiful is it that a grown man cannot come to the aid of his child during a time of emotional distress. Isn’t it a parent’s responsibility to be caring and nurturing? And what happens if the roles are reversed? Will children respond to their parent’s coming out in the same harsh way that Tyler’s dad reacted? Well if Bruce Jenner’s family is any indication, the answer is yes. It appears that things aren’t as cohesive as the Kardashian/Jenner gang would have the cameras believe when it comes to Bruce’s transition.
Over the last few days Bruce announced that he has decided to put his docu-series on hold. He said that he wants to make sure that his sons are emotionally ready and are “in a good place” before he proceeds. Are you kidding me? The Jenner boys are 36, 33 and 31. How selfish is it that one, or maybe all of them are so self-absorbed that they will not allow Bruce to finally be free. Although they haven’t said any harsh words like Tyler’s father, their actions are just as repressive. I guess neither Tyler’s father nor the Jenner boys realize that once you’re out of the closet you can’t be stuffed back in. Everybody knows now; so what’s their issue?
These rusty grown men shouldn’t be so fragile that they can’t let Bruce be who he really is; especially since he’s 65 and in his later years. More importantly, Bruce will once again be an American role model and activist. But this time for the transgender community. Having him stand up and force the world to recognize that transgender people are real and it can effect anyone is huge! I can only pray that both Bruce and Tyler are strong enough to stand strong in the midst of their family pressures.
girldontbesodesperateyouknowhesgay 