If there’s one thing that helps us get through challenging times, it’sfamily. Having people who know and support you no matter what provides a sense of belonging and security that allows you to keep going forward.

However, in the case of Reddit userThrowawayMoving_out, his dad had become more like an enemy instead of an ally. When the young man came out to him, the parent became hostile and eventually even decided to kick his son out of the house.

Sick and tired of hiding who he is, this guy decided to tell his parents he’s gay

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

Image credits:LightFieldStudios/Envato elements (not the actual photo)

But his father didn’t take it well

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

Image credits:benzoix/Envato elements (not the actual photo)

Image credits:ThrowawayMoving_out

It’s very hard to find a reason to justify the father’s actions

Attitudes in many societies may be changing, but plenty of prejudice still abounds across the world.

In the UK, about 20% of LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced a hate crime in the last 12 months, according to asurveyconducted for the LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall.

So it’s little wonder that LGBTQ+ couples avoid holding hands with their partner in public for fear of hostile reactions. Or coming out altogether.

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

Image credits:Lareised Leneseur/Unsplash (not the actual photo)

As writer David Robson points out, families cannot protect their LGBTQ+ relatives from all the challenges they are going to face, but the quality of support can make a big difference. In fact, family support is a seriouspredictorof the well-being of LGBTQ+ people across the lifespan.

However, declaring tolerance for additional money and having someone’s back are, of course, two very different things.

“Parents may be really well-meaning, but they might not fully get what it means for their children to be who they really are,”saysRin Reczek, a sociologist at Ohio State University.

Reczek emphasizes that we should certainly feel no compulsion to come out when we do not feel comfortable doing so. “It’s quite rational to maybe not share everything with people who might be homophobic or transphobic.” As much as we would like to live openly all the time, the sociologist believes we have to weigh up the costs, which can exceed the benefits.

At their best, our relatives act as a buffer toour anxieties, making it easier to cope with the challenges we face. Unfortunately, as we just saw, family interactions can also do the opposite and generate more stress.

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

People expressed their support, reassuring him he did nothing wrong

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

“Am I The Jerk For Moving Out When My Dad Told Me To?"

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