Mon 26 Jan 2015 In: Worth Checking Out View at Wayback View at NDHA
Long-running US advice column ‘Dear Abby’ has told a heartbroken grandmother who has been barred from seeing her grandchildren because she is gay: “To get away from gay people, does your son also plan to emigrate to the moon?” While it was founded the 50s by Pauline Phillips under the pen name "Abigail Van Buren", Dear Abby is these days run by her daughter Jeanne Phillips. She often offers straight up advice in the face of homophobia, such as sad case of a gay granny who has written: “I came out of the closet when my son was 4. I thought I had taught him not to judge because of a label. He’s now 30, with a wife and two adorable children who own my heart.” She explains that after her second grandchild was born last year, her son stopped speaking to her. “I have asked him numerous times what the issue is. His response is: ‘I have to protect my children from people who are gay. I don’t want them to know anyone who is gay’. His wife and her family are very religious, and I feel this is the real reason. What can I do? — HEARTBROKEN GAY GRANNY” Abby responds “If your son is under the mistaken impression that he is going to somehow ‘protect’ his children by isolating them from gay people, he must be living in an alternate reality. Does he also plan to emigrate to the moon?” She adds “His wife appears to wield the power in that family, and could benefit by learning more about homosexuality and her religion, which I assume preaches love and tolerance for one’s fellow man rather than judgment and exclusion.” Abby says the grandmother should leave the door open to her son, and in the meantime help out with the large number of lgbt young people still rejected by their parents when they come out. “These kids would benefit greatly from having a positive adult mentor like you. This could be your golden opportunity to make a significant, positive difference in someone’s life.”Dear Abby - you’re awesome. GayNZ.com staff - 26th January 2015