For parents - please be understanding

I had to put this on here to preserve it. This is an open letter Derek (Rosewhip137) posted on DailyBooth to his parents. If you are a parent then please read and take note of the effect you can have on your children by not accepting them for who they are. Please try to be understanding and accepting.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Enclosed is a picture from my high school prom. You may notice the fact that I am with another boy. You don't know that I brought a boy to my prom because I had to lie to you about it. In fact, you don't even know that I have been dating this particular boy for almost an entire year. You didn't know this because I also had to lie about it to you, because of your intolerance I had to keep the happiest thing in my life a secret from those who are supposed to be most important to me in my life.

Actually, I've missed out on alot of things in my life that I can't ever get back because of your homophobia. I also brought this same boy to my homecoming earlier this year, it was a big step for me in being comfortable enough with sexuality to show it publicly, a step that alot of people would have been proud of and excited for. Not in this case. I had to lie about this as well, you never knew it ever happened.

I'll never have the pictures of me and him together in front of my fireplace like everyone has, I'll never have a picture of me and him dressed up in front of the beautiful flowers outside the house, those are things I'll never be able to have now because I couldn't share the most important person in my life with you.

I've only had a few boyfriends in my life, and you never got to meet a single one, because I really didn't want to have to deal with your disgusted expressions when I introduce them to you.

Its even hard for me to just have an evening alone with my boyfriend ever, because I have to deal with you grounding me for any reason you can find just so that I won't be able to go out.Its not even the worst knowing what I've missed in my life, its knowing what I'm going to miss in the future.

I'm not sure what the future holds for me, but I know I'm going to find true love one day. And who knows I might even get married...but I know I won't get to see either of you in the seats during the ceremony, because I know neither of you would give your blessings. And what if I decide to have a child, adoption or otherwise, would that child even be a part of your lives? Wold you even deprive them of a set of grandparents just to continue to fuel your hate?

Its so sad to me to think that you could care less about the work I do, you have no idea of the people I've helped, the countless conversations at night where I try my hardest to help people get through the difficult struggle of self-acceptance. I've believe I've done alot of good for the world and yet I can't share that with you either.

Not to mention the years of struggle I had personally. I couldn't even go to either of you for help when I was confused and scared and lost. And when I finally got the courage to tell you about my struggle, all I got in return was that disgusted face that I hate so much.

So I hope it is worth it to you, I hope you can go through life being okay with what you have and continue to deny from me. I hope you'll be ok with me slowly losing contact with you as the years go by until an annual phone call becomes a rarity. I hope you'll be okay with not getting a wedding invitation in the mail. I hope you'll be okay with losing me, and I really hope you can be okay with how much you've hurt me.

That's all,
Derek

http://dailybooth.com/Rosewhip137/6286039