The Parental Choice

One thing that may hit home for some people at Hamline, or any person in general, is having gay parents. In society it is normal for most people to have a father and a mother.  But what if your parents are gay?  Many people argue that having gay parents hinders success, creates social instability, and makes their children have problems defining their gender. I beg to differ.

I grew up in a so-called "normal" household with both an active influence on my life from my mother and father.  I had no problems distinguishing my gender and have lived a normal upbringing.  But one peer from high school grew up in a gay parental household.  She grew up with two mothers.  Openly lesbian, her parents had no problem raising a child.  I asked her if she saw a difference in how she was raised compared to her friends with a normal household and this was her answer.  "Not one bit.  Like most relationships, there was a dominant parent, but never once did I feel that I was raised any differently.  I am still successful and attending college.  My parents let me identify my gender without pressuring me to be lesbian or straight.  I want people to know that it wasn't weird or awkward having to mothers.  They still treated me with respect, but the only influence that my parents pressured me with was their liberal point of views.  And I thank for that because it has allowed me to open my eyes and accept everyone.  I understand every household is different and each culture has respective point of views on how you should live your life."

I wasn't surprised by this answer.  Having gay parents never made her depressed or pressured her into drugs.  The only thing she learned to deal with over time was the ridicule from other kids growing up.  They didn't know how accept her parents often made repulsive remarks about them. She quoted, "At first I didn't know what to do about this, but my parents taught me that everyone is entitled to their own opinion so let them think what they want."

I idolize her for this.  It has helped me accept the gay community which ultimately helped me fit in so well at Hamline.  I just want everyone to understand having gay parents might bring rude comments or misunderstandings, but it won't effect your future unless you allow it to.  Here is a great video backing up my argument:

"Live your life with eyes wide open and understand everyone is equal."  This is an inspirational quote from my father, and one people should follow for their entire life.