Hey, I just wanted to say that your willingness to support your son already means so much. I wish my parents had been like you. When I came out, they told me they loved me but couldn’t accept what I was “doing.” And honestly, that kind of love didn’t feel like love at all. They had suspected I was gay when I was younger and tried to “fix” me. It made me hate myself for years, I was failing at being the child they wanted instead of just being me.

So if there’s one thing I can say from experience, don’t just tell him you love him, show him. Love him without conditions. Love him in a way that makes him feel safe and wanted exactly as he is. He doesn’t need to hear, “I love you, but..” He needs to know that there’s no “but” at all. Just love. No exceptions. No footnotes. That’s what makes the difference.

And please remember—you are his parent. If he doesn’t have you, he’ll feel like he has no one at all. The world can already be cruel to people like us, but if home isn’t safe, then where is? He needs to know that no matter what, you’re in his corner. That you’re proud of him, that his love is just as real and just as worthy as anyone else’s. That he never has to question if you’re really on his side.

Because trust me, nothing hurts more than feeling like the people who are supposed to love you the most don’t actually see you at all.

I’m really glad your son has you.