November 13, 2009
Dear Mrs. Figgins:
My brother and his wife are a great couple. They are loving dedicate parents, with five kids.
Two of the kids are college graduates, two will be graduating in the next two years, and one is still in high school.
Three years ago my niece, a college graduate, announced she is gay. A few months ago, my nephew, who “was” engaged, announced he is gay. Yet, he remains best of friends with his former fiancé!
My brother and sister-in-law have handled this with tremendous grace, and everyone seems to be one happy family. The brothers and sisters are very supportive of each other and closer than ever.
Meanwhile, the rest of us have been left shattered and confused.
How can this wonderful family can end up with two gay kids? They always seemed so “together”. What would make these two kids want to go in this direction?
What went wrong? What are we all missing? What can I do?
Family Members In Disbelief
Dear Family In Disbelief:
Your brother and his family are not missing a thing. By the sounds of it, they’re quite “together”.
Sexuality is an important part of who we are as humans. Sexual orientation is not a personal choice. It is a matter of genetics.
The only thing wrong is the hardship any person endures as a result of prejudicial attitudes or misinformation.
The best thing you can do is be non-judgmental, supportive and loving.
You have a wonderful family. Make each moment count.
Mrs. Figgins
Love, One Village, Topics, advice
