Dad writes a heartfelt and emotional note to gay son who hasn't come out yet: 'I've loved you'

Many people from the LGBTQIAP+ community still struggle to find acceptance in their own families. There is a lot of fear about what the family will think and, in some cases, the ostracization they will have to face. However, a dad wrote a note to his son after overhearing a conversation with his friend about coming out to him. He sets a perfect example of how a parent should support their children in such a situation.

The note was recently posted on Reddit by u/maximayy. It reads, “Nate, I overheard your phone conversation with Mike last night about your plans to come out to me and the only thing I need you to plan is to bring home OJ and bread after class. We are out, like you now.” The dad seems to be trying his best to let his son know that they are with him on this.

He goes on to write, “I've known you were gay since you were six. I've loved you since you were born. He also leaves him a hint that they know about his partner by writing, “P.S. Your mom and I think you and Mike make a cute couple.” The actual note was written in 2013 and that’s when Nate had given it to the social media channels of FCKH8, a company that makes garments with progressive messages, per My Modern Met. The company had then said, “We hope it sets a good example for fathers to love their kids the way they were born.”

"The fact that it has been shared by so many sadly means that this kind of acceptance is both too rare and deeply craved by LGBT people so used to being rejected by families," they added.

Many on social media loved the dad's response. u/Chairman_Mittens commented, "I have quite a few gay friends, and all of them told me their parents already knew they were gay when they came out. Hell, some parents knew they were gay before they even knew. Very sweet note though. It's gotta be difficult having that discussion with your parents, especially not knowing how they'll react." u/Good4nowbut wrote, "I love the energy of 'So I know you’re preoccupied with the coming out and all…but can you stop by the grocery store right quick? Also, I have loved and accepted you since before you had object permanence.'” u/New-Pound-3375 shared, "Wrote that same note, my son and his man are coming home today for Christmas and can't wait to see them!! Yes!!!!!!!" u/username_1774 said, "My daughter told us she was gay while I was in the middle of cooking dinner. I put down my oven mitts, gave her a big hug, and said, 'You are still doing the dishes after dinner.'" 

The Reddit post has more than 67k upvotes and it shows that such a response from a dad is so precious. It is also clear that many people want more acceptance for LGBTQ+ people in families as well as the society.