Though my being gay isn't too much of an issue for most people in my life (and really, why would it be? It's not nearly as exciting as anything related to Enron or god forbid midget sex), for a select few, it is. One relative has not spoken to me since I first brought Andrea home for the holidays, despite repeated attempts on my part to establish contact. So I gave up, I don't need that kind of crap in my life.

Recently, this relative's child wrote a book. This relative has the resources to have it published, and it's for sale on Amazon. My mom wanted me to buy a copy, then email the child's father and tell him I'd done so.

I tried to ignore her request but she pushed it today, so finally I pointed out that I haven't heard from this relative in years, that I know he's homophobic (which again, is ridiculous. Gay people are not nearly as scary as other phobia subjects like heights, the outdoors and elevators, all of which can easily kill you) and that I'm not going to put forth any effort towards him. Mom was upset but unlike in the past when I haven't done what she wanted (where she usually gets this utterly devastated tone of voice and hangs up), I kept her on the line and explained that I don't need to support someone who has treated me like that. I have nothing against the son, but am deeply hurt by the parents' behavior towards me.

My mom actually listened and while she's not thrilled, she seemed to understand that it's not okay to treat someone like that.