trying to make it get better

[OLDERNWISER]

My son recently came out to me and his father. It took a lot of courage for him although deep down, no one was surprised. He is so sad, 17 and in high school with few prospects of having a boyfriend. Are there social events for young gays, somewhere they can mingle and yet be safe?

 

[Stella_Omega]

My son recently came out to me and his father. It took a lot of courage for him although deep down, no one was surprised. He is so sad, 17 and in high school with few prospects of having a boyfriend. Are there social events for young gays, somewhere they can mingle and yet be safe?

PFLAG mightbe very useful for you right now
http://www.pflagnyc.org/links

Maybe Google can give you more. Try "gay youth resources" and maybe your zip code...

 

[OLDERNWISER]

Stella - should have just asked you in the first place - however - my internet searches find hope for youth in Richmond and Charlottesville, but not "Navy Norfolk". I am thinking the group hereabouts is very underground - for many reasons.
So I suppose I better go person to person, but sincerely,
thanks
ONW

 

[Stella_Omega]

Stella - should have just asked you in the first place - however - my internet searches find hope for youth in Richmond and Charlottesville, but not "navy Norfolk. I am thinking the group hereabouts is very underground - for many reasons.
So I suppose I better go person to person, but sincerely,
thanks
ONW

Yeah, there is a blank in the map around the coast there.

Here's my newest google attempt...
http://www.google.com/search?q=gay+in+norfolk+virginia
Which gives me mostly bars and no youth stuff.

I hate thinking that a teen feels so isolated. He's so lucky that he has you guys.

I found this...
http://hamptonroadspride.shuttlepod.org/

maybe it's worth looking into, maybe not...

 

[Etoile]

I would use the contact us page: http://gaynorfolk.com/

I'll keep looking, too.

Good for you for helping him.

 

[OLDERNWISER]

I would use the contact us page: http://gaynorfolk.com/

I'll keep looking, too.

Thanks for looking. Its so tough for him, so young. I remember being a teenager and wanting to explore love and relationships and it kills me how much harder the entire journey is for him. We just want him to be happy - and safe.

 

[OLDERNWISER]

There is an event, "Out in the Park" next weekend, I would like to bring him - any suggestions? I know a boy with his mother hanging out nearby may be seen as not cool, however, cannot just turn him loose, so... (in way of background, his father is not in favor of this)

 

[Etoile]

His father isn't in favor of going, or his father isn't in favor of him being gay?

Looks to me like "Out in the Park" is June 5th - June is a common month for Pride events! I see that there will be a parade of floats and also vendors, including food - there's probably entertainment too. It sounds like a GREAT place to go! It's going to be a mix of all different types of people, so sure you can go with him. It's not like he's trying to pick up dates there! Just browse the vendors together, get a bite to eat, and enjoy being in the atmosphere of Gay Pride.

Assuming he wants to, though - if he doesn't, don't force him!

 

[OLDERNWISER]

It's not like he's trying to pick up dates there!

first of all, his father is worried about being gay in public. His father loves him, no matter. as to picking up dates - well who says he is not? Seriously, I would. In any case, we will go and check it out. I am looking forward to a good event.

 

[Stella_Omega]

as to picking up dates - well who says he is not? Seriously, I would.

I simply adore you for this!

And I feel for your husband. Of course we want to protect our children.

 

[Etoile]

first of all, his father is worried about being gay in public. His father loves him, no matter. as to picking up dates - well who says he is not? Seriously, I would. In any case, we will go and check it out. I am looking forward to a good event.

My assumption was that if he is having a difficult time emotionally, and struggling with depression, he may not be in the mood to pick up dates. If he does, more power to him!

I'm glad you're going to go.

 

[OLDERNWISER]

My assumption was that if he is having a difficult time emotionally, and struggling with depression, he may not be in the mood to pick up dates. If he does, more power to him!

I'm glad you're going to go.

A good point, insightful really because I did not consider the mood he is presently in. I was wrong about the date, it is not May but June. And his father is still concerned about going. Hopefully, we will be there and it will be not dramatic.

 

[OLDERNWISER]

I simply adore you for this!

And I feel for your husband. Of course we want to protect our children.

I also adore you

 

[Spicy Southern Belle]

I think it is amazing that you are being so supportive of your son. He is so lucky to have you guys.

 

[OLDERNWISER]

I think it is amazing that you are being so supportive of your son. He is so lucky to have you guys.

While I appreciate the support, I have to say it totally sucks, that many who identify as in an alternative lifestyle, have to either hide it, or risk rejection from parents.

I can't even speak the profanity I feel when considering these kids as abandoned by their families. It makes no sense.

 

[kbate]

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