“Knowing that my son is gay prompted me to consider the issue from another perspective: that of a dad who wants all three of his kids to lead happy, meaningful lives with the people they love, a blessing Jane and I have shared for 26 years.” With these poignant words, an American father on Thursday publicly announced that he had changed his mind with respect to the rights of gay couples to marry and enjoy the same rights (and responsibilities) of all other couples. It is especially poignant because that father, Robert Portman, Republican senator of Ohio, was renowned among his voters for his radical convictions in opposition to same-sex unions.
“I have come to believe,” added the senator, “that if two people are prepared to make a lifetime commitment to love and care for each other in good times and in bad, the government shouldn’t deny them the opportunity to get married.”
A simple consideration, but one which sometimes requires a painful process of reflection and much love toward someone close in order to be expressed out loud. And there is no one, evidently, more “close” to a father than his own son.
Another American father — this time anonymous — also published yesterday a note which he had left on the fridge, communicating to his son that there was no need for him to “come out.” “I’ve known you were gay since you were six. I’ve loved you since you were born. P.S. Your mom and I think you and Mike make a cute couple.”
A simple consideration, once again — as simple as the love of a father for his son. It doesn’t matter who that son loves, if it makes him happy.
This simplicity of fathers who, with words of love, break the powerful barriers of prejudice and discrimination in a single moment, is a breath of fresh air — a breath of hope.
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