In searching for a way to give back to the LGBTQ community, Michael Volpatt and I created a aNoteToMyKid.com, a grassroots movement that gives everyone -- parents, family, and friends -- the opportunity to express unconditional love for the LGBTQ people in their lives. The nonprofit's purpose is to remind people that there is a lot of love out there, to bring family and friends closer together, and to give parents and others who may not know how to broach the subject of sexuality an opportunity to learn from example.
The site was inspired when Rosey, a close friend of Michael's, contacted him because her son was coming out of the closet and she wasn't sure how to best deal with it. She asked Michael if she could speak with his mother, Sharon, with the hope that she'd ultimately learn how to be there for her son during his coming out process.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, Michael sent an email to his mom telling her about Rosey's situation and asking if she'd let Rosey call her. Michael's mom replied with the email we posted on aNoteToMyKid.com (see the first slide below), explaining what she would say if Rosey were to call.
Michael originally posted the note on Facebook, and I called him immediately after I read it one morning before work. I told him we've got to create a site where parents, family members, and friends can share these kinds of stories. The impact could be huge. He enthusiastically agreed, and shortly thereafter aNoteToMyKid.com was born.
aNoteToMyKid.com hopes that the unconditional love shared on the site will help instill the confidence needed for LGBTQ people to live positive and productive lives. We also hope the stories featured on aNoteToMyKid.com will offer a glimmer of hope for those in the LGBTQ community who feel that their parents, family, and friends may not accept them for who they are. The more than 60 notes and photo posts from all over the U.S. and as far away as the Czech Republic, Canada, England, and Scotland demonstrate how some family members initially found it difficult to accept their child's sexuality but in the end made the conscious decision to love their children unconditionally.
Below we share 10 notes and photos from the site. You can read more notes, view videos, and check out photo messages written by parents, family, and friends at aNoteToMyKid.com. You can also find aNoteToMyKid.com on Facebook.
Follow Patrick Wallace on Twitter: www.twitter.com/aNoteToMyKidcom
When Scott told me he was gay I told him that I loved him and that I know that God loves him as he is. He asked me if I was upset with him and I replied that the only thing that would upset me would be if I could not be his dad.
I see so called Christians apply a standard to Gay people in regards to Gay people being sinners that they would never apply to themselves nor their straight friends and it sickens me.
Christ taught us to love others , not judge them. I know that some will say that as Christians we should correct others when they sin. To them I would ask. Have you ever heard God tell you to just shut up and love someone as they are? I am sure he has but you were too busy judging to listen.
Blow hard love the lie " Love the sinner, hate the sin". They love the sin because they think the sin in others makes them superior. Think of the hypocrisy of Christians judging others.
Glenn Barker
Everyone, gay or straight, tell somone they are loved. Kids, call your Mom and Dad. Moms and Dads call your kids, Grandparents, call your grandkids.
Not your loved "if".. or you're loved "when"... No judgements, no politics, no sexuality.
Just : You Are Loved.
And to the parents who penned this beautiful letters? Thank you. You have no idea how far those ripples will spread.
Um, not even close.. In general, married people have a much better physical and mental health outlook than single people. Mortality rates of single men are 250% higher than married men and single womens' are 50% higher (Ross et all, 1990). "Single men and women have higher levels of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment problems, and other forms of psychological distress" (Coombs, 1991; Cotten, 1999; Simon, 2002).
If your child is gay, there is not one instant that they will believe that you love them while also saying their orientation is wrong and unnatural. Those aren't words you use about a loved one.