P.A.R.C. Mag Issue #8 | Page 27

P.A.R.C. Mag: Describe your life. Where did you grow up? What was your family life like?

Eddie: Well, I could describe my life as an extreme, adventurous, and on-going learning process. It seems like there's never a dull moment. I had a loving nurturing environment growing up in the suburbs of Long Island NY. I was raised in a single family home by my mother and older sister.

P.A.R.C. Mag: How were you able to overcome your own biases and prejudices regarding sexual orientation? How are you able to cope and be a father to your son?

Eddie: "My own biases and prejudices were overcome with maturity and growth. Although it was a struggle, and really difficult because I was being so judgmental, expecting that my son had to be a certain way in order for me to be his father. I was the main source to many of the struggles we had because I was trying everything in my power to change him, with no thought at all of even contemplating changing the way I was dealing with who he was."

"I wouldn't describe it as 'coping' and being a father to my son. I accepted who he is and love him unconditionally, that's what makes me a father. I wonder how he coped with me for so long."

P.A.R.C. Mag: Did you ever question yourself at any point and wonder if you failed yourself as a parent? Did you ever blame yourself for your son's sexuality?

Eddie: "There was a time when I questioned myself every day. Was I too affectionate? Did I hug and kiss him too much? Just everything was questioned and then I was like...No! My father hugged and kissed me until he passed away when I was 23, it didn't make me gay. I was raised by women and never really had a steady male role model in my life. I've spent over a decade in prison with no homosexual tendencies. So no I never blamed myself for my son's homosexuality. I've moved past that "why is my son gay?" because there was nothing I could have done to prevent it. That's like trying to make it so he's taller or had different color eyes. He's the way God created him to be and I accept that."

"Now do I wonder if I failed as a parent at times? Of course! I would think all parents do, but not because of my son's sexuality, it's because he deserved a better father than me. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life."

ddie K. Wright is an author of Voice For The Silent Fathers. It is a memoir that not only helped him to realize his behaviors towards his gay son, but it also helps any parent that may be dealing with their child being gay. For some parents, this situation is not easy. Some might not be aware of the damage that they could cause to their child if they're rejected or shunned by that parent. Eddie's book explains his situation, his reaction, and his road to acceptance and continuing to love his son despite his sexuality.

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