Texas mother posts adorable newspaper announcement to mark son’s coming out
In the age of smart phones and social media, information is really at our fingertips. But sometimes, a little nod back to traditional forms of communication can be a nice way to share big news with the world.
Which is exactly what Texas mother Joan Wilson has done, taking out an ad in her local newspaper to announce her gay son Drake had come out, reports the Advocate.
Readers of the Houston Chronicle on Sunday 17 January would have come across the black and white advertisement in the ‘Celebrations’ section.
“The parents of Drake are pleased to announce that their son has come out. Drake is currently a senior in High School where he is captain of the tennis team, ASB Vice President, and NHS member,” the advertisement reads.
“He is a church deacon and enjoys filmmaking and baking. And yes, he adores Barbra Streisand.”
Wilson explained the ad was made in response to the scrapping of Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO), legislation designed to protect residents in the region from discrimination across a number of categories including sexual orientation and gender identity, but was voted down last November.
“I couldn’t think of a better place than Houston, out of the entire country, where they needed to hear my message of pride,” Wilson told the Texas Observer.
Wilson added her announcement was her “way of humanising the issue”.
“We are blessed to live in a state which has passed anti-discrimination laws. As a mother, I have much trepidation in thinking my son might one day live in a state such as Texas.”
Back in 2010, Drake had published a video to YouTube where he extended gratitude to his family for being able to come out in a supportive and loving environment.
“I would just like to say a big thank you to my whole family for being an example of how all families should be,” he said.
“I’m thankful to all the men and women before me who have gotten this world to a place where I can come out at only 16 years old.”
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