Fag

[tinywarrior]

This is what I heard someone call my little boy today. I didn’t ignore it. I asked. I glared. What did you say? The kid muttered under his breath. Nothing. We walked to the car and he was quiet. He’s a boy who takes everything into himself. When he shares, it’s a gift. It has a meaning beyond what it is

Comments

[alchemi]

This is so beautiful.

Please consider printing this up and handing it to him.

Yeah, it might not matter or he might pretend it doesn't. But it might matter a lot.

[tinywarrior]

I'll think about that. I'm not sure he's quite old enough to get what I want to say yet, but you might be right.

[msminlr]

Print it out now anyway, and put it in an envelope for safekeeping, and give it to him at the right time.

[the_lady_elanor]

I agree, I write letters to my kids all the time, sounds silly but I tell them things I don't know if I'd ever be brave enough to say to their faces or that I might forget, I even post them to the house and then they go into a box, each of my kids has one, filled with memories and things I want them to see or that I can sit and talk about with them one day.

Your words were beautiful.

[rm]

This is a phenomenal and important piece of writing, that if there was a way for you to feel comfortable sharing it with a larger audience, I would encourage you to do.

[tinywarrior]

I'm unlocking it. Thanks.

Good

[adriang]

I'm glad she talked you into it; It is quite a good piece of writing.

I will never understand the depth of insecurity and moral cowardice that drives so many people to look so hard for such meaningless excuses to hate others. Sooner or later, most of us will end up on their hit list. People who are driven by such meaningless hate and bigotry are a danger to us all. And these mostly Christian fanatics would have us believe peace, love, and life are their key values.

Adrian

[paradigm_palace]

I'm also glad that you unlocked it or I would not have been able to read it. I came here through the usual "my lj friend linked to an lj friend" thing. You express yourself wonderfully, here. It was moving to read. Thank you.

[daisydumont]

>It doesn’t matter if you like girls, or if you like boys. It doesn’t matter at all... It’s a hateful word that stupid people use to hurt each other.

excellent answer. i'm sure you're right, that he'll figure out who he is.

what a moving post.

[synaptikchaos]

indeed. very good answer. i'll keep that in mind next time i'm around some mean-spirited children...or on my college campus.

[tamperevident]

There are so many stories I will have for him, when he is ready to hear them. I looked at him and said, “You are not a fag, period. It doesn’t matter if you like girls, or if you like boys. It doesn’t matter at all. And you are not a fag no matter what. It’s a hateful word that stupid people use to hurt each other.”

-- what a challenging situation. i couldn't have thought of a better answer. i think you really hit the nail on the head, there. one's orientation (or future orientation) doesn't matter. what matters between human beings is mutual respect.

ps

[tamperevident]

i just heard on NPR that the mayor of NYC had just declared gay marriage legal in the City. the city still has 30 days to object, but still. this is a tremendously important breakthrough in tolerance, for those of us on the East Coast. both M. and i are overfilled with joy.

Re: ps

[merryjest]

I know what you mean! I'm an international student whose visa is running out soon...and things are hard in the job market, so work visas--- we haven't found any yet ;( My partner keeps hoping that marriage will become legal soon and that immigration rights will also be extended to it...

I can only hope, time is running out :(

[tamperevident]

pps: if your son really is gay, he couldn't have picked to be born to a better mommy.

[rahalia_cat]

Here via rm and I just want to thank you for this. It is, quite simply, the most uplifting and beautiful piece of writing that I think I've ever seen on LJ.

[joshrosen]

seconded. A really great piece. Thanks for sharing it with the community.