The Bo Show

Breakthrough With My Dad

Alright, big moment in the my world. Last Sunday, during the weekly mom and dad phone call something happened. Let me give you a little back story. In my family, we always have a Sunday check in phone call. It’s a way just to make sure we’ll all ok and hear about the upcoming week.

I have to be honest, I really haven’t stretched my parents acceptance of my gayness in a long time. What do I mean by that. I mean, I came out of the closet to them about seven years ago. We all went through the awkward chats and visits to therapy. But, since then, my sexuality hasn’t really come up. They weren’t stretched beyond their natural limits of acceptance… pushed to hear about my sexuality.

It wasn’t until this past Thanksgiving, and the demise of my three-year relationship that things changed. After last year’s Thanksgiving, I had a impromptu conversation with my mom and dad. I told them I felt like they were missing out on knowing me, and my life. I also mentioned I felt my relationship failed because they weren’t given the chance to meet and accept my ex, Rob, into their lives.

I told them the next time around with a new boyfriend things would be different. I explained how important it is to me and the growth of my relationship with my future boyfriend, that they get to know and accept him. We chatted for about two hours. I said, he would come to family gatherings, and they would have to accept it. I told them I’d sleep in the same bed with him when we came home for visits. They said no. Which is ok, they only allow you to sleep in the same bed with your significant other, if you’re married. My brother has the same problems with his girlfriend. They sleep separate until the husband and wife thing. I said it was ok, but one day I’ll sleep with my husband under their roof.

Well, onto the present day… last Sunday’s phone call. I mentioned to my mom and dad I was thinking about moving to a different apartment. My dad immediately said, “Are you moving in with a ‘partner’?” That may seem like nothing. But, it meant the world to me. He didn’t say “roommate.” He said “partner.”

For the first time in the past seven years, I felt like my father finally accepted the idea of my being gay.

I said, “No, just by myself.” But, one day, when I do move in with my “partner” preferably husband, I now know he will be open to the idea. It was a big moment in the world of BO. Just wanted to share.