Intern Victoria's Blog Pt 1

Intern Victoria's Blog Pt 2

About one year ago, my mom and dad got divorced; irreconcilable differences, we’ll call it for now. Going through a divorce alone can be hard enough, and was especially hard during my first year of undergrad. A month after hearing that, my dad, unannounced, showed up at my dorm and said he wanted to “take me shopping.” It was clear he had an ulterior motive and after the shocker that occurred not too long ago I knew this was not about shopping and immediately asked him “what’s wrong now?!”

My dad pulled into the next parking lot on the way to the mall which just happened to be a CHURCH parking lot. He took a deep breath and said the last thing I expected to leave his lips, “Victoria, I’m Gay.” My initial reaction was truly, relief. I had convinced myself that he was going to confess an affair with a women that he had been having for years, which for me, would have been much more detrimental. My head spun, I cried, and thought were the past 18 years a lie? How could he have done this to me, my mother and sister? I was confused, angry, and sad. We talked for a couple hours, and like he promised went shopping after.

When I said the month prior had been rough, it only got worse from the moment we left the parking lot. It was a lot to go through as a family and at times was very hard, but this is NOT a sob story. I couldn’t imagine life any other way, and would say my family is one of a kind and I am too. My story tends to be a good ice breaker, and ALWAYS slips out after a few drinks. I’ve learned that most people I meet are accepting of my life and just want to ask questions (go ahead).

This story, although unique, is not that unusual. Especially in my generation, homosexuals are often supported in their endeavors to pursue marriage, health benefits, etc. I have always been a supporter of the LGBT community, but now more than ever, especially with such avid media coverage, intolerance of homosexuality cannot be ignored.  When my dad was growing up, in his Catholic household, coming out of the closet would be like spitting on the cross; you just don’t do it. All my dad wanted was a “normal” life, and what was best for his children. It is important that no LGBT individual feel the way my father did growing up, and with President Obama’s support for equality, I believe we are on the right path.

What bombshell did your parents drop on you that changed your life?