Discrimination

The man heard raised voices coming from the big room at the back of the house that was used as a den, a family room.

"That's so straight!"

"Jack McKay, I heard that! There's no need for that kind of expression! How would you like it if Steven said that to you? Come here!"

The boy shuffled sheepishly into the hallway.

"S...sorry, Dad. I didn't know you were there."

"Evidently. Just because some people are different, there's no need to be horrible about it. Don't you think the world would be a boring place if everyone was the same?"

The boy shifted uncomfortably under his father's scrutiny. "I don't know....I suppose so. Why are some people....that way, anyway?"

"I don't think anyone knows for sure. Some combination of their genes and their environment, they say. Whatever the reason, it's not something they choose, it's just part of who they are. You're left-handed, did you choose that? Of course not. It doesn't make you better or worse, just different from the majority."

"I never thought of it like that. It's just....it's gross, I'd never want to do that!"

"Jack, I know it's hard for you to understand at your age - I was a boy too, not that long ago." The boy smirked surreptitiously. "I really hope you aren't going to grow up prejudiced. There's good and bad in all sorts of people - it's the person that's important, not the label others put on them. Please try to be nice to everyone, the world's a much better place when you are."

"I'll try, Dad," the boy replied, his eyes downcast.

"Good boy - now go and say you're sorry to Steven, please. If he likes girls instead of boys, that's his business. It doesn't stop him being your friend, does it?"

"Nah - he's my bestie! Can I go, Dad?"

"Of course - just remember, no name-calling!"

"OK." The boy scampered back into the family room, and, when the man looked through the open door a couple of minutes later, the two 11 year olds were engrossed in their game, their spat forgotten, the best of friends once more.

I'll have to have a chat with my husband, the man thought, see if we can find some way of showing the boy some positive heterosexual role models, to underline the message that they were just different, not degenerate or depraved. Mind you, the man thought wryly, Jack was on the same wavelength as himself on one level - I'd never want to 'do that', either!

****

Love & best wishes to all
Sammy B