"DEAR GRANDMA..." WHEN RELATIVES DON'T GET WHY BEING LGBT IS OK

"DEAR GRANDMA..." WHEN RELATIVES DON'T GET WHY BEING LGBT IS OK

Victoria Munro (17) is unhappy about the fact her Grandma is uncomfortable with her being gay. She's written a letter to her, trying to make her understand why being LGBT is not something to be ashamed of, and why she should be happy for her. Tori's been kind enough to share her letter with us... We'll let you know how her Gran responds! Wish her luck!

Victoria Munro

Both my grandma and my father are quite homophobic. My paternal grandma was born in 1930 thus giving her different views and beliefs to most people nowadays. When she discovered, via my dad, that I was gay she didnt speak to me for some time. When she did it was never about my sexuality and if the topic came up she would crinkle up her mouth and not say a word. I wrote this letter to give her insight into what being gay means and to educate her ignorant beliefs with the simple truth, that love is love.

Dear Grandma Edna, the other day when I was lying awake in bed I had the idea to write you this letter. I know three years ago, Dad told you I was gay, and we have not spoken about that since. I wanted to tell you how I feel so that you have a better understanding of what my life is like at times. I have known I’m gay since I was 12 and it is NOT a phase. Also, I did NOT choose to be gay - when does anyone choose their sexuality? They don’t. No, I simply began falling for people but I realised it was girls I liked not boys. Gay people have always been around, it is just that in your generation people did not admit to it because it was still not legal and they would be stigmatised, beaten and verbally abused. Now that it is legal to literally ‘be yourself’ a lot more gay people are coming out. You may not be happy about it but I do not want to live a lie and be unhappy for the rest of my life. I’d much rather admit to being who I am and get on with my life. I think that as long as I am happy, my family should not mind. I am not ashamed about who I am, it is me, I am part of the minority, but that does not make me a freak. I am human, I have feelings, why should I be put down for something I did not and would not choose? At the end of the day, I am going to marry a woman and I am hopefully going to be in love and happy - and what is so bad about that?
None of the above is intended in a rude, sarcastic or scrutinising manner, I just wanted to share my feelings with you.
Lots of love
Your granddaughter
Victoria
xxxxx

About the author: Victoria Munro (17) is a writer and LGBT activist. She has published two books: Kiss Chase (for 15+ readers); and Silver Lining (a story for 11+ readers). She recently wrote a letter to the MP David Burrowes about his voting record on LGBT issues, which has been published in Pink News and When Sally Met Sally. Read Victoria's blog here: http://insanityandequality.blogspot.co.uk/

Article from When Sally Met Sally