If only….

Zach Gibson is gay, and he decided it was time to let everyone know – although in no way did he expect the outcome that he received. Zach announced on the Facebook page, NO H8 Campaign, that he is gay but did not expect to see his mother reply with a letter:

“I was surprised by your facebook post where you came out. I want you to know that I love you unconditionally. I love you with my actions, not just words. I’m so proud of you. You are the bravest person I know. I’ll fight you always. Your sexual orientation does not define you. You are still the boy who forever won my heart. The only thing that concerns me is the number of empty soda cups and tea bottles in your room. Throw them away before ants come inside.”

Her letter went viral with hundreds of thousands of “Like”s and shared on Facebook. Thousands of comments – naturally both positive and negative. When Michelle’s letter became a hot item, Zach commented on the FB photo of the letter:

“I’m Zach, the one this is addressed too. When I came out last week, I never expected this much support. I knew my mom would be fine with it, but I never expected this letter and I never expected this many people to spread it around. This means so much.”

Kudos to both of you. Zach… for the strength it took to publicly share your sexual orientation that causes a lot of negative reactions from some people (I am going to remain “nice” and not diss the anti-gay people.) And Michelle… for accepting your son for who he is and letting everyone know that you support him 100%. If only more people were like both of you – the world would be a much more pleasant place to live.

Here are a few of the comments left on this letter:

“You have overcome the greatest hurdle of coming out and you’re so lucky to have that much support coming from your mom! Good for you! You are setting a wonderful example for many other people in your shoes.” – I look forward to the day when this no longer is a hurdle but is no different than someone announcing they are a heterosexual (Michelle).

“Love makes the world go ’round. Ants… not so much. Bravo Zach and Zach’s mom for a little piece of sanity in this crazy world.”

“So, your boyfriend’s name is ‘Ants’?” – This is actually one of my favorites. It is apparently that Michelle and Zach share a light-hearted wit between them as Michelle’s closing sentence jokes about the condition of her son’s bedroom – a never-ending mother-child battle. So a comment that follows this same joviality warms my hears and puts a big grin on my face.

“I look forward to a time when no one has to “come out” and we accept people for what they are and not what we expect them to be. And the world will be a happier place…”

“Hi Zach! One things concerns me: Please recycle. Thank you.”

“I have a gay son and I simply wish for a day when phrases like “came out” and “love you no matter what your sexual orientation” would not even be up for discussion. I still have people saying, “I know your son is gay, but I’m sure you love him anyway, right?” Silly person – her mother probably loves her even though she is a bigot, so why wouldn’t I love my son for being born a certain way?”

“I love that the stereotype of the fastidious gay male has been blown away with this post-leave the cups where they are so we can fight these stereotypes”

“I wish you a Wonderful Life Zach!!!!” – So do I, Zach. So do I. (Michelle)

If only the world had the values, morals and integrity of Zach and Michelle. If only……..

Related articles

• Mother Stuns Son with Supportive Letter After He Comes Out on Facebook (gawker.com)
• TGIF edition: Son Comes Out as Bi on FB; Mom’s Supportive Response Goes Viral. (downthemiddleblog.wordpress.com)
• Zach Gibson Comes Out on Facebook – You Have to Read His Mom’s Response (people.com)
• Very cool Missouri mom responds to son’s coming out as bisexual on Facebook (examiner.com)

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