Following last week’s news when The Pope tried to fool the world, he may be open to accepting parts of the LGBTQ+ community by opening a window to us BUT firmly keeping the door shut. Now there’s news of another conservative religious timidly exploring possible avenues of how to live with us gays WITHOUT being burnt in Hell. Well, for them of course.
Jake Abhau a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints found himself at a crossroads when his 13-year-old son, Jon, confided in him about being gay.
The revelation stirred a whirlpool of emotions for the Abhaus, leading to an uncertain path laden with community judgments. The father shared his initial shock with NBC’s Today show, highlighting the unforeseen terrain the family was about to find themselves in. As of 2022 all homosexual or same-sex sexual activity is forbidden by the church in its law of chastity, and the church teaches that God does not approve of same-sex marriage. Adherents who participate in same-sex sexual behavior may face church discipline..
Young Jon’s bravery in coming out so moved his father who decided to start a private Facebook group, Dragon Dads. This group, now a refuge for over 110 fathers from conservative religious realms with LGBTQ+ children, has become a crucible for sharing, understanding, and navigating the intricacies of familial love amidst traditional religious views.
Even more important it hasn’t stopped there and Dragon Dads members took to the streets, participating in Pride parades, amplifying their acceptance and support for their LGBTQ+ children.
As Jon Abhau embarks on his adult journey, his father’s commitment to Dragon Dads remains unswayed, extending a supportive hand to others newly acquainted with their children’s LGBTQ+ identities. The transformative journey of Dragon Dads not only unveils a narrative of evolving attitudes within conservative religious communities but also epitomizes the boundless realms of parental love transcending rigid traditional mores.
In reality, although welcome it’s a very tiny gesture from a rampantly homophobic church that boasts of some 17. million members who spent upwards of $22 million to successfully defeat California’s Prop 8 ballot proposition that banned same-sex marriage.
Labels: 2023, Church of Latter Day Saints, Dragon Dens, supporting gay kids, welcoming gesture?
