Gwen is Andy's Mum. You can read Andy's story on the April page of the site.
Amy and I were visiting Andrew at university. We were just getting ready to leave when he said there was something he wanted to tell us. He was obviously very nervous so I knew it had to be something really important and when he blurted out "I’m gay”, I found myself thinking, oh – is that all! I was expecting some earth shattering news like, I’m dropping out or I’m in trouble. I remember giving him a reassuring hug and telling him I was very proud that he felt he could tell me. Amy said that she had already guessed so it wasn’t really big news to her but as I must be one of the only people who didn’t realise Freddy Mercury was gay until after he died, not surprising then that I had no idea about Andrew!
The only way it changed my feelings towards him is that it made me more protective as I was worried he would get picked on. I still worry about that even though he’s 31 and probably a match for anyone after all his visits to the gym. I wasn’t horrified or shocked. I remember feeling veramused when I later recalled a previous incident where he’d been sent home from a weekend camping trip after being found in the girls’ tent! They obviously didn’t realise it then but the girls couldn’t have been in safer hands!
You always see them as your children no matter what their age, and as such you never stop worrying about them. I’m always proud to talk to people about Andrew and his achievements. I’m not ashamed or embarrassed by his sexuality so if I ever chose not to mention that, it’d only be if the person I’m talking to clearly won’t make an effort to understand it.
Some people get scared when they don’t understand something so they shy away from it, hide their head in the sand or actively put up some kind of barrier. It makes me angry when people won’t see the good in others and take them for what they are. They don’t appreciate they risk losing the respect and love of that person, or the joy of getting to know a fascinating individual. What I’m looking forward to now is the day Andrew meets someone special to share his life with.