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From Rudy and Bonnie Cuevas Our younger son came out to us in 1996 at the age of 18, just before he graduated from high school. Although it was difficult for us in the beginning, looking back, it was a very positive turning point in our relationship with our son. We knew that we loved our son and that he was the same person we had loved since he was born but, we realized that everything we previously believed about sexual orientation was wrong. As quickly as possible, we began reading and researching in order to understand and come to terms with this new information about our son but, we still felt totally isolated. We did not think we knew other people who had a gay child and that was a very lonely and depressing feeling. When our son entered college at the University of Kansas, he encouraged us to attend PFLAG meetings that were being held in Lawrence, KS. We did not know what to expect would happen at the meetings so, we were very reluctant to attend. We did conquer our fear and attended a meeting. PFLAG, the wonderful parents and other people we have met through the organization, have changed our lives. With the help of the other PFLAG parents, we were able to find the support and education we needed to quickly come to an understanding of our son’s sexual orientation and to dispel the myths and stereotypes we grew up with. Now, our relationship with our gay son is stronger than ever. He is now in a committed relationship and we are thrilled that we can joyfully welcome a new member into our family.
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