A teenager who came out to his family has shared a shocking reaction he received from his father after revealing his sexuality.
Tyler told the Huffington Post that he made the decision last winter to tell his family he was gay, but was surprised by the heated reaction he got from his father.
While the 15-year old started with his sisters, who he said fully supported him, he said his mother was shocked but soon accepted the news.
It was only after the young man from Vancouver told his father, that he was taken aback by his response.
In a string of abusive messages that Tyler posted from his father’s Facebook mail to his Tumblr account, the teen shared the shocking posts including:
“We took care of you since you were a baby. We loved you, took care of you when you’re sick. Now this is what we get in return, shame and embarrassment.
“You embarrass me from all the people I knew. I’m going to puke.
“You are trying to ruin me. This is worst than death [sic].”
Despite the hostile and abusive messages, Tyler told the Huffington Post that he doesn’t hate his father but hopes he can eventually learn to accept him:
“I’m hoping there’s still the possibility that he could change, even it takes a while.
“Maybe he could accept me, because that’s all I want… I just want him to be there for me.”
Tyler has now moved in with his aunts, but is thankful for the support he’s received since posting the messages.
Deciding to share his story, Tyler said he believes the issue isn’t discussed often enough, adding that the support is beyond what he ever expected:
“It’s just amazing. People need to know there are so many other people who would want to love you and be your friend, so (that’s) what really matters.”
