I imagine this is the typical response by most parents of gay children. Some parents might suspect but hoped they are wrong and still get upset when their children out themselves to their parents anyway. I read that why parents get upset is because they feel like they failed as parents by producing gay children and fear judgment. In reality, it has nothing to do with them as parents.
LOL, classic reaction- I love the contrast between how serious Lawrence is and Connie’s obviously contrary reaction (contradicting what she’d JUST said- Comedy 101).
A friend of mine has a son who came out as gay. This was around 2012 and he was 16 at the time. We all just smiled and told him that we already knew and it’s no big deal.
In the past, it was standard practice to blame the mother for a son being gay. The assumption was that she had somehow raised him to be a namby pamby Mama’s boy. We’ve come a long way in our understanding, not only of gays but of their parents.
This is why kids can’t confide in their parents. The parents just won’t digest what the kid is saying, and they want to think what they (parents) want to think. In this case, Connie is in denial.
Connie is just showing the first sign of grief. Denial. Then comes anger, bargaining, depression, finally acceptance. Not everyone goes through all five stages. Some stick at one, and never progress. To Connie, this IS grief. She has lost her dreams for Lawrence.
I admit that today’s strip is unfunny. Here is an idea to make it funnier:
Lawrence: “Mom, I’m gay.”
Lawrence’s mom: “Well, why shouldn’t you be? You are young, in good spirits, and have your whole life ahead of you. I would be happy and festive as well if I had all that going for me.”
Lynn Johnston lost a bundle with this story. Many newspapers cancelled their contract. How do we reconcile the free market and freedom of speech with the fact that people need to have this forced upon them?
We have two adult children that are gay and are married to the best spouses that we could have asked for. We are happy that they are happy with their lives. We are very close as a family and couldn’t ask for anything else. <3
It is her initial shock to him coming out. Hopefully she gives him a chance to explain his feelings before any more outbursts. If a parent is paying attention to their child’s actions / lifestyle you would think they would have an inkling.
When I was a new mom, I already decided that no matter what gender or sexual orientation my child became I would be 100% supportive. My son is 14 now and we had “the talk” about a year ago where I told him he can tell me anything and yes, we even broached the gender identity discussion. He left the conversation knowing that his dad and I accept him for whoever he is now and in the future. I feel better knowing that I’m raising a child whom I hope one day raises his children the exact same way. Love, Support, and Advocate for your children!
Templo S.U.D. over 2 years ago
what’s ridiculous is Connie’s reaction; now it’s stepfather Greg’s turn to hear the news
Last Rose Of Summer Premium Member over 2 years ago
Well that went well….
Enter.Name.Here over 2 years ago
He screwed up. First say “I want a sex change” and let her freak for awhile.
Then say “OK. No operation, but I’m still gay and I like guys over girls”.
Then she will say “Whew! Fine. Whatever you want. Just no surgery, please!”
rekam Premium Member over 2 years ago
“Calmly and sensibly”?
Susan00100 over 2 years ago
I wonder if most gay men have such stupid mothers!!
capricorn9th over 2 years ago
I imagine this is the typical response by most parents of gay children. Some parents might suspect but hoped they are wrong and still get upset when their children out themselves to their parents anyway. I read that why parents get upset is because they feel like they failed as parents by producing gay children and fear judgment. In reality, it has nothing to do with them as parents.
M2MM over 2 years ago
She’s really in denial. She doesn’t want to believe him.
nicka93 over 2 years ago
Well that will be the last time he try’s to have a sensitive conversation with his mother.
Jabroniville Premium Member over 2 years ago
LOL, classic reaction- I love the contrast between how serious Lawrence is and Connie’s obviously contrary reaction (contradicting what she’d JUST said- Comedy 101).
Johnnyrico over 2 years ago
A friend of mine has a son who came out as gay. This was around 2012 and he was 16 at the time. We all just smiled and told him that we already knew and it’s no big deal.
GirlGeek Premium Member over 2 years ago
So is your reaction
lauradolan over 2 years ago
In the past, it was standard practice to blame the mother for a son being gay. The assumption was that she had somehow raised him to be a namby pamby Mama’s boy. We’ve come a long way in our understanding, not only of gays but of their parents.
JudithStocker Premium Member over 2 years ago
This is why kids can’t confide in their parents. The parents just won’t digest what the kid is saying, and they want to think what they (parents) want to think. In this case, Connie is in denial.
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member over 2 years ago
Well, there you go. That was easy. Wasn’t it?
DawnQuinn1 over 2 years ago
Connie is just showing the first sign of grief. Denial. Then comes anger, bargaining, depression, finally acceptance. Not everyone goes through all five stages. Some stick at one, and never progress. To Connie, this IS grief. She has lost her dreams for Lawrence.
preacherman Premium Member over 2 years ago
Real smooth, Lawrence.
CoreyTaylor1 over 2 years ago
So Connie, was that CALM or SENSITIVE!?
The_Great_Black President over 2 years ago
So much for the comments that mothers can “suss it out”.
rebelstrike0 over 2 years ago
Well Michael, this is what happened when you badgered Lawrence into doing this.
Smooth move, Ex-Lax.
USN1977 over 2 years ago
I admit that today’s strip is unfunny. Here is an idea to make it funnier:
Lawrence: “Mom, I’m gay.”
Lawrence’s mom: “Well, why shouldn’t you be? You are young, in good spirits, and have your whole life ahead of you. I would be happy and festive as well if I had all that going for me.”
JimValTen Premium Member over 2 years ago
Reality sets in and human emotion exhibits disbelief, then gives way to acceptance and love. Lynn is doing a marvelous job of treating the subject.
Yardley701 over 2 years ago
arents often go into denial, but if they really love their kids that get through it to accept it and life goes on.
mindjob over 2 years ago
Pardon my ignorance, but how are these two related?
kathleenhicks62 over 2 years ago
There is a stand-up parent.
InuYugiHakusho over 2 years ago
Connie, that’s not calm and sensible…
kamoolah over 2 years ago
Lynn Johnston lost a bundle with this story. Many newspapers cancelled their contract. How do we reconcile the free market and freedom of speech with the fact that people need to have this forced upon them?
Train 1911 over 2 years ago
Well that shocked leaves off the tree.
CrazyLady Premium Member over 2 years ago
We have two adult children that are gay and are married to the best spouses that we could have asked for. We are happy that they are happy with their lives. We are very close as a family and couldn’t ask for anything else. <3
j.l.farmer over 2 years ago
It is her initial shock to him coming out. Hopefully she gives him a chance to explain his feelings before any more outbursts. If a parent is paying attention to their child’s actions / lifestyle you would think they would have an inkling.
hooglah over 2 years ago
He’s not gay…..he’s a faggot!
Nicole ♫ ⊱✿ ◕‿◕✿⊰♫ Premium Member over 2 years ago
When I was a new mom, I already decided that no matter what gender or sexual orientation my child became I would be 100% supportive. My son is 14 now and we had “the talk” about a year ago where I told him he can tell me anything and yes, we even broached the gender identity discussion. He left the conversation knowing that his dad and I accept him for whoever he is now and in the future. I feel better knowing that I’m raising a child whom I hope one day raises his children the exact same way. Love, Support, and Advocate for your children!
tripwire45 over 2 years ago
Oh good grief. Connie is a stereotype.
this is summerdog over 2 years ago
This isn’t a comic strip anymore. It’s a soap opera! : )
cranefriend over 2 years ago
Lawrence is being calm and sensible, Connie.
Daltongang Premium Member over 2 years ago
Man I would love to see this crowd watching Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. That would be a real hoot.
kamoolah over 2 years ago
For a long time there were those who despised John, put down Elly, called Michael a pig, and Elizabeth a dumb blonde. But now we have a new group…
…Conniehaters!
rebelstrike0 over 2 years ago
Isn’t Connie in a gay marriage? If not, then Connie sure looks butch.
Slatsmagee I over 2 years ago
Way to go, Mom!!!
lindz.coop Premium Member over 2 years ago
Nothing more “calm and sensible” than that.
198.23.5.11 over 2 years ago
I’m ridiculous.
Don’t be gay!!
Somehow that sounds better.