Six Word Memoirs on Life Stories

Wench says,

I guess that depends. For two of my good friends who grew up in conservative Christian households where homosexuality is looked on as an abomination, finding a welcoming environment where they can be who they are without fear of judgment has been a very sad, difficult process.

Mil says,

I'd say they are surrounded by people who don't really care in the sense that not being gay is more for the families' benefit and not for your friends. And of course I hope your friends would want to do what makes them happy.

Wench says,

Still, it's very hard to make the decision to be honest with yourself and with others and live an open, honest lifestyle when the people you love don't support you. I would say that they are *happier*, admitting to themselves and others that they don't fit the mold their families expected of them, but they are still very hurt that their families don't agree with them.

Mil says,

I personally would find it hard to love people (including family) who didn't support or care about something that contributed to my well being. Of course not caring what others think is often easier said than done but I figure at some point you have to get tired of it.

marymc says,

I look forward to the day when no one does. I hope this will be in my lifetime.

Dean6805 says,

My opinion on the issue is this: Love is complicated and messy, and there are many parents out there who love their kids but simply don't have the perspective or the emotional tools to understand how or why they've become the people they've become (this can be applied to situations far beyond sexual orientation). To just say that they don't care isn't being fair or accurate. I've known people whose hearts have genuinely broken for their kids; how could you say that's not caring?

I daresay the same thing goes for kids' perspectives toward their families. Saying to (for example) one's parents "I don't care what you've believed with all of your heart and have been taught for your entire life; you must change your whole world view for me right this moment" is just as much of an unrealistic expectation as a parent saying to his or her child "no, you have to deny who you are just so you can fit within my way of thinking of what is right and what is wrong."

It simply takes time and learning - on both sides. Wench is right: those who are okay with themselves despite what others think tend to be happier, healthier individuals, as do people who learn to accept others for who they are.