To Parents who Discover their Child is Gay or Lesbian

[The6039]

One of the smartest and well thought out videos on the subject well done

[RobNorthampton]

@The6039 Thanks very much. I love your art on Deviant art btw :-)

[ajikaslafma]

wow. this video just really builds up a person's self-esteem.

[RobNorthampton]

@ajikaslafma We're all born equal, and we all die equal. It's just the bit in the middle that sometimes gets a bit complicated :-)

[Ares44309]

you seem to be a nice guy rob!

[RobNorthampton]

@Ares44309 Thanks Ares. I try to be. Life's too short, eh? :-)

[amymiiichelle]

:')

Lovely.

[OhCurt]

This was just linked about 30 minutes ago by someone on the "1 Million People For Ellen and JC Penney" Facebook page. Perfect for that discussion!

[RobNorthampton]

@OhCurt Oh really? Thanks for letting me know, Curt! :-)

[wilsonpamela1989]

I think you should run for president... Id vote for you!

[RobNorthampton]

@wilsonpamela1989 Thanks very much - I'm honoured. Free ice cream for all! ;-)

[MechanicalCoupling]

Or bisexual individuals.

[RobNorthampton]

@MechanicalCoupling I accept your correction. I would include transgender too if the title allowed. :-)



[FEZZBOMB1388]

I'm not writing that again, I wrote loads and it has gone, I will message you the rest when I have time......... x

[RobNorthampton]

@FEZZBOMB1388 Hi! I'm sorry you lost your message.. YouTube only allows so many characters at a time in the comments section, but certainly feel free to send me a message from my main page. They are not text- limited and will go straight to my Inbox.

Certainly if you have any doubts about coming out to parents, put your well-being first. Keep the roof over your head and keep your head down until you are independent enough to make your own decisions later.

Happy birthday for Tuesday by the way!

[FEZZBOMB1388]

Hi Rob, I thought I knew how I felt about my sexuality, I thought I was bisexual (which I didn't reveal to my parents, they do not even know I'm gay, I don't want them to kick me out, I do not even have a job yet, so I cannot support myself, or claim benefits (I am 17 this tuesday (8th November)) but I met this boy (I say boy but he is 16) who I had been told is gay, and I sort of had a thing for him, but I didn't want to say anything, but I ended up talking, and I have never looked back, but a

[390bullitt1968]

What would the advice be to a parent whose son is Holocaust denier and a fan of Nazi, Hitler. That happened to a neighbor of mine and the parents were worried. Clearly there are two sides to each and every conflict in life. The wartime victors write the history.  I told my neighbor, embrace him for who he is. A young man with a mind capable of independent thought.

[RobNorthampton]

@390bullitt1968 I agree that victors write the history, but in this case, I don't think there's any doubt it happened. I have read books of first-hand accounts by German Jews and Homosexuals, and the horrors are unimaginable. Genealogy of family survivors reveals thousands of cases of lost loved ones in the death camps. But ultimately, people will twist history if it suits their own agenda.

[390bullitt1968]

@RobNorthampton - Do you realize the most famous Auschwitz survivor and German hater, Elie Wiesel, says he spent 8 months in Auschwitz and was treated well snce he had a foot infection and needed hospitalization in the Auschwitz hospital. Given that he 'lost ' his tattoo, his story may not be true.

[390bullitt1968]

The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic church ,which is the Church begun by Jesus, teaches that same sex attraction is real and the reasons for it are not clear. However, like one who may be attracted to other things in life, God calls his children to a life of holiness and prayer even in the lay state. We are called to accept our state in life and offer it up in prayer. God does not give any man too big a burden to carry. If we pray and offer our suffering up, we are true Children of God.

[RobNorthampton]

@390bullitt1968 Whatever gets you through the days. :-)

[marinello6]

Good "From the heart" video Robert. Most people would still rather their children have cancer than be gay. Things have not changed that much since the supposed sexual revolution of the 1970s.

P.S. Man created god, not the other way around. You can throw that at the religious kooks that have their imaginary friend.

[RobNorthampton]

@marinello6 Thanks Albert. One or two of my vids make it quite clear about my atheist views. I don't think I'll ever be "sitting at the feet of Jeebers" after I've gone up the chimney! :-D

[stoner829]

Well said!!! Kids today are so much better off than us because of the internet. We had no where to turn. I'm so glad I came across your video. Thanks.

[RobNorthampton]

@stoner829 Thanks Jim! You are right. When I was a teen struggling with my sexuality, the only possible help came from a local classified ad which I'd read over and over for months before I eventually contacted them. It read, "Homosexual men and women in Lincolnshire, for support and help contact CHE on PO Box 4 or phone *******" It took me ages to build up the courage to even phone them! LOL (P.S. I'm glad I did- my life started soon after) :-)

[stoner829]

@RobNorthampton My phone number was for the Gay Community Center in Cleveland.  It sat on my desk for 4 days until one night (with some "liquid courage") I called and that day changed my life as well. I cannot even imagine the closeted life at my age..but there are still many people who are deeply entrenched. I hope they find the courage to open the door and live their lives openly. Life is just so short...

[JonathanRobinson]

Well said.

[RobNorthampton]

@JonathanRobinson Thank you, Jonathan. :-)

[RobNorthampton]

@JonathanRobinson Thank you, Jonathan. :-)

[RobNorthampton]

@mafyou1028 Thank you for commenting. We will marry when it is possible in the UK, simply for legal reasons. We don't want a second-class civil agreement which I see as 'separate but equal'.

[TheMrsLunarmonkey]

welcome back

[RobNorthampton]

@TheMrsLunarmonkey Thanks Vicky! I must try harder... :-)

[SteeveeStrange]

I think the majority of homophobic parents are constantly dreaming about enjoying the company of their grandchildren because they'll have nothing to keep them occupied when they get older.

[RobNorthampton]

@SteeveeStrange Gardening? Knitting? Crochet? Basket-weaving? Okay, I'm being flippant. I agree with you that many parents' problems are of their own making, and have nothing to do with their children's future, and more to do with their own.

Good to hear from you, Steve :-)

[OhCurt]

Excellent!

I forget that PFLAG is a global thing now - good thing that it is, too.

[RobNorthampton]

@OhCurt Thanks Curt! x. In the UK, we always had Fflag, (Friends and Family of the Long and Gangly) which is the same thing, but now we have both. They offer similar support, and are a good jumping-off point for parents who find out their kids are fabulous. When I came out, I had just myself, but I had a head start in having great, loving parents. They didn't understand at first, but hung on in there. I filled in the gaps in their knowledge, and I never suffered any negativity from them.

[RobNorthampton]

The first time I took Simon home to meet them in 1983, Dad had made up the double bed for us. I knew then he'd been accepted as a member of the family, and was always treated as such for the 21 years we were together. When we split up, Dad continued sending Simon birthday cards and tried to stay in touch, but it was Simon who cut the ties. Dad was a paramedic, so has a sensible head, and Mum just loves everyone anyway! :-) I've been very lucky.

[TeenTwinkTween]

Another great video, Rob! I haven't seen you on skpe recently. Is your computer acting up again?

I'll leave my usual remark about the subject of parents accepting their gay kids: All that is required is an understanding of biology, and the complete lack of brain-eating religion! :D

[RobNorthampton]

@TeenTwinkTween Hi Justin! My PC is a law unto itself. Skype starts, or it doesn't. I don't understand it. I couldn't even use my editing software for ages. It just wouldn't start up, but now it's working again - sort of. It will only handle low res video, so I have to convert it from my HD camera before editing. It's a pain, but I have no spare money for new stuff.

Thanks for commenting, and I hope you are feeling much better! :-) x

[TeenTwinkTween]

@RobNorthampton Hi Rob. <3 I just don't understand why your computer is acting the way it is. If I remember, you have reloaded all the software and removed a virus(es). I think my laptop is going to die any day now, so I'll have to be teathered to my desktop.

I am feeling better, but I still get a fever after even the slightest exertion. :-| Got a doctor appt. on Tuesday, so hopefully he can help.

Maybe we'll see you on skype this weekend! Talk with you later! :-) xox

[Poemsapennyeach]

Good vlog..

[RobNorthampton]

@Poemsapennyeach Thank you very much! :-) 

[kern0099]

Awesome, a new RNH vid! I was starting to get a little worried, lol. As usual you're bringing the right message, I like the idea of resuming from a sensible foundation, there's precious little of that lately. You're looking well and hearty too, I must say, great to see you here.

[RobNorthampton]

@kern0099 It's nothing new under the sun, I know Adam, but some of my original videos have fallen off the map a bit, and you know how it is. Straight people will keep having gay babies, and then being surprised/amazed when they find out, so I'm just trying to lighten their load. I laughed at "looking well and hearty", but it's a nice sentiment for an old, fat git. Thanks :-) x

[kern0099]

@RobNorthampton Groooooan, I actually said "well and hearty?" Geez, I just blushed when I read that, lmao. I was trying to use code to describe ruggedly handsome hot daddy action because, you know, I was keeping it clean for the kids! ;-)

[RobNorthampton]

@kern0099 Pshaww! There ya go, massaging my ego again. I like it! :-D xx

[tinySpectacle]

Great video, Rob. 

[RobNorthampton]

@tinySpectacle Thanks Lo! I hope your fantastic poetry is still drawing in the crowds :-)

[coolsteven2]

It's great hearing from you :D

[RobNorthampton]

@coolsteven2 And from you, Steven! I hope everything's going good in your life! :-)

[tonightwefly]

It's been far to long! I have allot of friends that are gay and if my Son comes to me in 15 years and says he's gay then so what! its totally normal, really enjoyed your video Rob :-)))

[RobNorthampton]

@tonightwefly Thanks for the comment, and I hope that however Alfie Jack turns out, that he'll make you proud to be his dad! Good luck with everything!

[conclusivebeginning]

missed you, welcome back !! loved this vid might show it my dad lol :)

[RobNorthampton]

@conclusivebeginning Thanks Ryan! Some people will agree with the message, and some won't, but it won't stop me bashing away with my same old rhetoric. I hope you're well and happy, mate :-)

[SpaceFrawg]

As a former homophobe I would just like to say great video sir. (thunbs up & faved)

[RobNorthampton]

@SpaceFrawg Thank you for the great comment. Looking at your channel, it looks as if we are on the same page regarding many aspects of life. I applaud your efforts at trying to educate people into thinking for themselves! :-)

[whistonlass]

Rob, if I had the ability to do a video as a parent of a gay son....I'd want it to contain all that you have voiced here in your video. Your closing quote "Be careful who you hate...it may be someone you love" is very worthy of repeating. You've spoken so well and with such encouragement, as always. Thank you.

[RobNorthampton]

@whistonlass Jacquie! So good to hear from you after so long. That's my fault, I know. Thank you for the glowing comment! As always, I feel if it helps only one person, it's worth blathering on about, even if they do have to put up with my ugly mug in doing so! :-)

I hope you're well and happy, and regards to David! x

[fehquig]

Excellent video, Rob... You give me hope that there is such a thing as common sense.

[RobNorthampton]

@fehquig Andy! It's so good to hear from you again! I know I've left YouTube alone for too long. I didn't think anyone was bothered by that fact too much, but I kept getting random messages from people asking where the hell I'd got to! LOL So anyway, I thought I'd try to kick-start myself and my channel by returning to what I still consider a worthy subject. After all, people will keep coming out, and the problems are usually the same for each new set of folks. :-)

[Thomasfiddle]

Very well spoken as allways. Good to see you again. Keep talking!

[RobNorthampton]

@Thomasfiddle Thomas! Thank you for your always-welcome comments! As an aside, as soon as I see your name, I have to play your 'Polka for Breakfast' video again, just to raise my spirits! :-D

[Roseybaby63]

So wonderful to see a vid from you. It feels like ages. For some years, I wasn't sure about my daughter's sexual preference. Turns out, neither did she. We always talked and I made it clear that I didn't care one way or another, as long as her partner was a good person who made her happy. She's had a boyfriend for 3 years now, but I would've just as easily comfortable if she'd ended up with a girlfriend.

[RobNorthampton]

@Roseybaby63 It has indeed been ages, Rose. Work took over for a long time, and still takes so much of my time, just trying to keep the wolves from the door! Also, my PC has been slowly dying on me for months. It refuses to touch video from my newest HD camera, so I have to convert it to a lower resolution before I can edit it. However, that's all besides the point. Thank you for watching and commenting once more. You always make such common-sense remarks, and I'm happy that you dropped by again

[blainebill39]

@RobNorthhampton

Ciao Bello!

Roberto "Il Mio Uomo e Amico Molto Bello"! (You Very Handsome Man And Hopefully My Friend) Rob I must say you and most of your fellow countrymen in the UK really impress Bobby Griffiths' (Prayers for Bobby) old lover/boyfriend "Blaine" here to no end ! In regards to LGBTQ issues your "Pro Active" response is "Spot on"! Did this "Yank" here use that correctly, contextually I mean?

Ti Amo Tutti! (I Luvs And Am Proud Of You All)

Blaine

[RobNorthampton]

@blainebill39 Thank you, Blaine! We may not agree on a spiritual basis, but I'm sure we are both on the same page as far as hoping for a world where everyone can be treated with equal respect and love. Along with, I should imagine, thousands of others, Bobby's story touched me, and I hope was a wake-up call for many more. Keep up your good work!

[masticina]

People make plans for their children.. them being another sexuality changes those plans. Change that might not always fall well.

But if we can create a society in what gay people are equal.. then such plans are not in the way. In the end the children them self need to life their own life, will they marry and get/adopt children? Maybe...

[RobNorthampton]

@masticina Thank you for being open to the possibility that not everyone is cut out for the obligatory 2.4 children. There are many straight kids who don't necessarily get the jobs their parents would've liked for them, marry the people they would have liked etc., but in the end, so long as the parents show love and support, nobody can ask for more.

[twish1999]

Excellent vlog!

:-)

[RobNorthampton]

@twish1999 Thanks Trish! I know I rambled on too long. I guess I was trying to squeeze too much in, but hey, so far, so good. I'm sure I'll attract a christo-fascist before too long! LOL

[ExaggeratedElegy]

Stunning work, sir.

[RobNorthampton]

@ExaggeratedElegy Thank you for watching! And for the great comment, of course! :-)

[Ranokian]

Nice! well done.

[RobNorthampton]

@Ranokian Thank you very much. :-)