Handling homophobic comments and other discrimination

Handling discrimination and homophobic comments can be very difficult not only for children but for their parents as well. Lynette Vertoch recalls hearing these negative comments directed towards her son and how she supported him through it.
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Handling homophobic comments and other discrimination

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How I handle comments against gays and being the mom of a gay child obviously it’s hard sometimes. It’s your child and that fears protectiveness comes out, but also I know that people aren’t going to hear me if I respond aggressively or angry, and really what I want is I want people’s mind to change and I want people to start to be more accepting. It will happen and it’s happening slowly, but it’s not going to happen by being aggressive. I try and talk, so that the people who will listen. I try and say things gently if I can and depending on how the comments were said to me. The goal is to try and keep communication even with those that aren’t positive in how they view gays, but to keep communication going because that’s the only way to get to where we want to go.

Handling discrimination and homophobic comments can be very difficult not only for children but for their parents as well. Lynette Vertoch recalls hearing these negative comments directed towards her son and how she supported him through it.

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Lynette Vertoch

Mom & Entrepreneur

Lynette Vertoch is an entrepreneur with a small company she runs with her husband in Seattle, called Cameos & Crowns. In her words, the company designs "these very cool dish towels, pillows, cosmetic bags and aprons."  She has two children, Harris, 16 and Izzy, 13. Harris is gay and Izzy is not. She is divorced from their dad and married to a wonderful man who has been their stepdad for seven years now.  She and her ex-husband and current husband all parent the kids together (even though they live in different states) and are all close as a family - they even vacation together.

More Parenting Videos from Lynette Vertoch >
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