Mike & Desmond
When my son first told me he was gay, I said, “Whatever you do I’m fine with it. It’s your life.” He’s a grown man. I have a lot of cousins who are gay and I love to be around them. We go out and have fun together, talking, enjoying ourselves. I think knowing my gay cousins helped me be more accepting. I figure you treat people how you want to be treated.
Desmond’s mom and I stayed together for 12 years before we broke up. That was hard but I was never out of the kids’ lives. I have three sons and two daughters, and I have always helped take care of my kids. Like all parents I make mistakes sometimes but I have taught my kids right from wrong. Desmond is very mature, but I still have to catch myself because I am protective of him. I know he won’t do anything to hurt himself.
I’ve got a lot of gay friends and we’re cool. They’re the best friends I ever had. We talk. We got out, have a beer or two. They tell me their problems and I tell them mine. Good people surround themselves with good people.
I love my son with all my heart. He calls me every day and I call him every day. There is never a day goes by when we don’t talk to each other. We talk about everything. He doesn’t hide anything from me and I don’t hide things from him.