I am home late and writing a very quick post because tonight was dinner and the theatre (pronounced "thee-a-tahhhh") with my Mom. We had a really lovely time, right up until the point when she casually mentioned that she is planning to donate money to a Christian charity that is known for stating that gay people should be killed.
"Ummm...Mom....you know their stance on gay people, right?"
"Well. People have a right to their own opinions."
"Sure. But....uhhh....do you think that maybe you could not donate to a charity that thinks that your daughter should be killed because she happens to like women? Maybe?"
She didn't see the problem.
Because apparently the charity does good work.
Anyone want to adopt a 40-year-old doctor?
For the love of God. I am sorry.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Yeah. My mom is not always the most enlightened of people.
DeleteHeart wrenching.
ReplyDeleteThat would be my Mom, too. (RIP, Mom.) She believed that only old white men could lead us or legislate us or be trusted to be in charge. She supported "charities" such as what you mentioned, even though her son, granddaughter, step-granddaughter, nephew, brother-in-law, co-workers, etc., etc. are gay. She justified it in whatever crazy way she could, basically the same as your Mom- "the good probably outweighs the bad." I survived this only because I have supportive siblings and we could process this together and if you don't have the wonderful family I have to scream and moan about "stuff Mom says or does", I think this group here would work for that!
ReplyDeleteI could write an entire blog about "Stuff my Mom says or does"! But I try not to publicly shame her too much in the event that anyone ever identifies me on the blog. Although I'll be sure to share some of the gems, like "This charity that wishes my daughter were dead has a good side!"
DeleteUrgh. I dislike the idea that 'people have a right to their opinions' and yet, some think that means we should not have opinions on their opinions...
ReplyDeleteYeah...I'm not sure how "people have a right to their opinions" equates to "I should give money to the crazies".
DeleteOh Jesus. That sucks. I'm sorry!!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yeah...this is why the term "chosen family" was coined.
DeleteI am also sorry. As an old white man I apologize for many of us that are wrong about so much. I will continue my support of the ACLU in order to offset some of the evil.
ReplyDeleteThanks, although it isn't just the "old white men". Some beliefs are pretty deeply ingrained in society. But thanks for supporting the ACLU!
DeleteWow, Jono. Cool.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteI am so so sorry. Hugs
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteAny parent should be very proud of you! When people older than me (there are very few left!) say hurtful things, I always blame it a biologic process like dementia. They don't really mean it.
ReplyDeleteI cut my mom over 10 years ago (before I was willing to come out). Best thing I ever did for myself. It's definitely not "just an opinion" when some folks want us dead.
ReplyDelete