Father Creates Safe Space For Gay Son. “It's Important To Talk To The Children About Everything.”

When Freddy’s teenage son started withdrawing, he knew something was up. Suspecting it might be related to his sexuality, Freddy sought to maintain an open line of communication with his son - and became a strong ally and defender in the process.

[@metro3692]

You were made to be a father. The world needs more fathers like you.

[@Rapha2587]

​@@michaelcaza-schonberger9282 the world needs more people that mind their own business, it would be enough! Take the hint.

[@tonystark4434]

Michael Caza-Schonberger yeah what Rapha said

[@imsooverit620]

Diva Hair the worst act? I feel like murdering someone is the worst act anyone can partake in...

[@owentrebashi776]

PERIODDD!!!

[@Dignity100]

Yes, they do!

[@phillipleboa5251]

You are a REAL MAN. God bless you !!!

[@bodoorgeest]

A real huMAN..

[@mikenon3406]

yes it true

[@orlando1a1]

I wish I had a dad like him - what an enlightened, thoughtful and amazing man. When things got tough for his son, he didn't desert him and quite possibly saved him from goodness knows what awful fate.

[@suvariboy]

Me too. My family disowned me when I came out.

[@vaerldsmusik]

Ouch... I don’t always understand parents fears, and how when “gay” becomes a factor, everything changes. It is the same son/daughter the only difference is suddenly gay is a factor. Love is unconditional. Because someone is gay doesn’t mean the love stops. Was t there in the first place? Has this just been being tolerated? I know the so-called “Christians” can reject people for being gay-even when Jesus made unconditional love, the foundation of his beliefs: reject gays they reject Jesus-that isn’t Christian. Still, I gasp when a parent or anyone rejects someone for being gay. Yes, it is fear, but what happened to love? One of my sons was (that is past tense because he died of AIDS-related illnesses) gay. I was not sure what he was, but stressed that I loved him no matter what. I wanted him to know he was not alone, that someone loved I’m and was there to love and support him. My other son is non-gay, but he got the same love and support. Those sons were my PR team as I had their friends come to talk with me about things they should have talked with their own parents. Once I asked one why he came to talk with me. He said I was the “cool” parent who he felt would listen objectively. While it is flattering to be the “cool” parent, it is the trust and compassion that was triggered. I have seen and heard about too many people gay and non-gay, who found that they either had difficulty or felt they couldn’t talk with a parent because that parent might be negative or was negative about various issues including sexuality. I would liked to have been there for these two lads. The “disowned” lad must have faced a horrible time. Who were the un-loving people who could reject their own child. I would be deeply hurt and feel betrayed by such monsters: how could they be my parents? Did they ever love me? and so forth. I hope things are better.

[@ChiquitaSalseraOne]

suvariboy You are worthy of the highest love just as you are.

[@stevemoore9509]

@@suvariboy I am so sorry about your situation. Hope you have friends or other loves ones to accept you.

[@jerandzanes3455]

As a clinical psychologist I tell parents to talk less and listen more.

[@SarcasticCupcake223]

Talk less... Smile more... (I'm sorry but I had to... XD)

[@arcus_isweird2923]

@@SarcasticCupcake223 oh god

[@DanielNRollins]

This video got me emotional. What a great example of being a good parent. I wish I had a father as accepting as Freddy.

[@cindyjones6441]

Daniel Rollins Fred is the sons name.

[@m.antoniosims342]

What a beautiful man inside and out!! Thank God for fathers like him!!

[@tamasamoa1931]

His unconditional love for his son and to get him to open up abt a topic so hard to talk about w kids is so amazing. We all wish we had a fathers love and support like this. U both are lucky to have each other. I wish your family all the best❤️

[@FINEDIAMOND]

You are a super dad. Amazing. Your children, especially your gay son, is blessed to have you for a father. It's also not hard to see why you haven't stayed single! 😉

[@sebastianboeddinghaus3505]

I wish my dad (and frankly mum) were as open as he were, just saying "hey what's your sexuality as far as you know?" It would really help a lot if parents were that open

[@Zippyzappy339]

I agree.

[@geolee9522]

My life would have been a million times better with a father like this man.

[@samray397]

YOU will make yr life SHINE! CHANGE STARTS FROM WITH-IN!

[@Daris714]

What an AWESOME Dad and Human Being. If more parents were like you there would be a hell of a lot less Gay homelessness or suicides.

[@davehowe54]

FACT DARIS! Am a Gay Medic and can TELL YOU & others it just is, unfortunately, MORE than You Know. BOTH! Thx 4 speaking

[@arnoldstafford4718]

After the father finds out he should try to join with son so they could really get close

[@melvinnixon2378]

I commend you sir for being a fabulous daddy. Bravo!!!!!

[@zigowl1193]

This is a great dad. Fred, you lucked out mate. 👍

[@Ted655687653]

Thank you for being a good Dad. I'm gay and my parents are/were the worse parents you could imagine. As a kid, I knew how much they hated gay people and so I didn't tell them until I graduated college and they were furious that they WASTED all that money on me and my education. Things never got better, they only got worse to the point that I stopped all communication with them. They ended up turning all the family against me. Family members that had responded well to my coming out would eventually sent me letters that condemned me. At the hand of my manipulative mother, l even received hate-filled letters from the members of the family that are secretly gay and secretly bisexual. My family is a sea of hate. I'm glad Fred has you as a father. You are making a big difference in his life. The world needs more Dads like you.

[@dirkandi]

I hope you are in a good place now!!!

[@edcipriani8873]

Ted - I am so sorry that you went through all of that. When sons and daughters come out to their parents, they are at the beginning of the process and are much more vulnerable. It's very hurtful and damaging when kids come out and hope their parents will be supportive and will be there for the kids, but when the parents actually turn against kids. Eliminating contact with these family members and relatives is the best way to handle toxic and poisonous people.

[@ronibuli]

Key word- loving, non judgmental person

[@davidbanas7609]

Whether you realize it or not, You are F*cking Awesome. Yes, with just the simple ability to show your own Son unconditional Love. I did not get or receive that, They are gone now. When it is my time to cross over the line, they will have to answer me. I know they did the best they good, however, I matter too. I can choose to incarnate with another family, one more suitable. Right or wrong, this is how I feel. I doubt anyone has judged you for changing wives. I don;t see much of a difference,

[@ross_spirou_photography]

Thank you so much for not only accepting of your son but for protecting him the way you did!!!!

[@james2390]

Father of the year every year.

[@davehowe54]

I second 2nd that James!

[@whoismikki]

this is how every parent should be after their kid comes out

[@8bitlatina845]

I wish my parents were as accepting as this man.

[@itsmeanthony9704]

I’m gay and I never received a safe space, it made me stronger as a human being and it stiffened my resolve, that I as a gay man deserve to exist as everyone else does. I do wish to be equal in the eyes of our government, but I don’t care what anyone thinks of me.

[@amandacogger3075]

Good for you! Your fine the way you are

[@itsmeanthony9704]

Amanda Cogger well thank you dear. I really appreciate that.

[@G3ForMe]

That is great for you, but there are a lot of people that kill themselves because they don’t have a safe space. Straight people have a built in safe space so why can’t gay people? What happens with gay people is that maybe they have to run away without any support, financially or emotionally- they then struggle with day to day life because they don’t have a foundation since they have to *react to what life throws at them instead of being *prepared by a loving family/safe circle.

[@benw9949]

If that guy is as caring as he sounds in this talk, dang, his son is lucky to have a dad like that. I'm impressed. I had a mostly good relationship with my parents, but the could also be controlling and had their own ideas on what was right. I never felt I could talk to them about being gay, from my preteens on into young adulthood when they passed away. And yet I loved them and they loved me. I was always scared it was conditional, that if they knew I was gay, they would not understand or accept me. I was more afraid of that than thinking would I get kicked out, because I didn't think they'd do that. So the dad, who's my age, accepting his son so much...dang, if he's really that good, his son is so fortunate. Why do so many of us have to go through our teens praying for God to make us straight, when we are not? Why do we have to go through so much, instead of being accepted and having good relationships, learning and dating and all, and the support of family and friends. Even kids like his son grow up like that, feeling bad for being gay, wanting to be made straight, when we are not. I wish it could be better for all of us. Even a kid who grows up supported, accepted, feels like that. Ouch, man. It should be better.

[@MultiMattman68]

This dad deserves an award,bravo

[@angelos.ortizvela7485]

I teared up a little. This is so heartwarming. You’re such a good father.

[@waltman333]

Fred, you are a great dad! If not for your intervention your son could have been forced into a conventional marriage to a woman by pressures of society. I wish your son the best in life and his future. Walt

[@MrPrinzbeat]

From Switzerland - You are a great Father. Wishing you and your son and Family all the very best!

[@rocanlovr87]

This is exactly how all parents should be. I love this so much

[@HungVu-vs3dv]

OMG I want a dad like him. He’s certainly a rare jewel

[@noblelies]

What an awesome dad. If only everyone could have a father like this.

[@vaerldsmusik]

It is nice that a parent has been so loving and supportive. The world needs a few more such parents. Love is nice when it is there....

[@whyalfie]

Man, what a lovely guy you are. A case where someone went through multiple divorces, not because they were insufferable themselves, but because they had respect for themselves AND their son. Beautiful. You got me crying my guy.

[@stevensordoni8450]

Your son knew he could come to you and you protected him. You're son will always know you're a great Father.

[@Zoom_1012]

You are such an amazing father. Unfortunately when my parents found out I was gay at 15 they decided to send me to gay conversion therapy. It was horrible. But once they figured out I was who I was they eventually came around and accepted it. Fast forward many years my partner and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary together. I heard that's more than a lot of non-gay couples. My parents love him as one of their own and I couldn't be more happier. Thank you for being a fantastic father to your son Fred. 🌴☀️🌴

[@robertsherman9975]

Paul M as a gay male myself.My heart goes out to you, for misery inflicted on you, in your early years. On the flip side, it’s heart warming to here that you are truly happy and blessed. The longevity of your relationship speaks volumes, of who the two of you are. ❤️

[@davehowe54]

YOU are a SURVIVOR Paul, many more Like You! and your Husband, good you stuck it out and made smart decisions to continue on.

[@Joe-xf7nr]

what a great father.. Freddy must be so proud of you sir.. I wish i had that support during my teen years

[@Kiwi_2001]

"loving, accepting & non-judgemental person" sounds like the way to be to me. Freddy epitomises a great father! All kudos to him.

[@michaelmouse1]

What a wonderful Dad. This is such special story.

[@peteravila83]

Your son is blessed to have you as a dad.

[@edsr164]

Indeed I feel extremely envious of him

[@jimjimgl3]

What a happier place we would have if more people were like this guy.

[@calumashleymcdonough8955]

The son had the courage to share his sexuality with his father because the father had created a culture of acceptance. Way to go dad, you're an amazing person.

[@BDKla]

What a fantastic father. We need more men like you out there supporting their sons.

[@travisgrant5608]

Amazing father! We should all be so lucky.

[@coffacuppee]

I don't know who you are but you're one fantastic father, as was my own. As an adult I later learned from older siblings that my father always knew I was gay but he was always my biggest supporter. He taught me to hunt and fish and play golf, probably to assure I had the best chance to be non-gay, but he loved me unconditionally. He did his best. I'm 65 now and like your son, as a teenager I also used to pray hard that God would let me "grow out" of being 'a queer' -- the common term back then. Now I thank God for who I am and what I've become. You are changing the world, thank you.

[@rbtobi]

this is how you do great parenting, albeit one-sided. what a great dad!

[@pheenix1976]

Much kudos to this fine gentleman for being not only a fine example of what a good parent should be but also as a fine example of humanity. Although what we see in media these days is more the darker side of humanity, this brings me hope that the future of humanity might just yet have a fighting chance.

[@Dan3043]

I never get emotional. I'll go years without shedding so much as a tear, but I must have some lingering pain about the torment I was put through during my formative years and the turmoil that plagued me then, because I watch a video like this and within a minute or so I'm almost bawling and completely beside myself, feeling once again like that little hurt boy who was taunted and bullied by most everyone just because he was different. I don't know how to overcome that sort of baggage, I'm sure it takes a toll on my daily life. I've always been good at compartmentalizing and not showing my emotions, but when I am overcome by these feelings, I remember that I must be carrying some unresolved trauma, because they hit me like a tidal wave and I suffer a regression to my younger self.

[@joelr877]

It's important to create "safe spaces" to shelter your children from the world. If you pretend there aren't any bigoted people in society they will feel protected when they are under your umbrella. That way when they get into the real world and get slammed with a dose of reality, they can come back to you. You're kind, loving and caring, and the world is big, bad and scary. It's been a pretty effective parenting style for me.

[@happybergner9832]

The most difficult part is fear for our children's' safety.

[@raymondkymsuttle]

What a brilliant human being this man is.

[@Greggory1987]

Such a great dad and so authentically supportive.

[@mikenon3406]

all need love

[@mikeemike7597]

The world needs more dads like u sir . Beautiful kind man 👍

[@edwardmiessner6502]

What a great dad ❤

[@jg6579]

I wish I would of had parents half as understanding as this father. That to me is a real man.

[@breek.8678]

Notice how throughout his entire story his primary concern was the well being of his son… he just wanted to be sure he son felt safe, supported and loved unconditionally. THATS a parent ladies and gentlemen!

[@katinagehn9337]

You are such a good parent!! I wish you were my dad

[@veramentestanco]

What a wonderful person and a star father to your son you are! I wish I had that kind of support and respect from my parents when I was growing up and coming to terms with my sexuality! Children need parents to guide and support them in their choices but too often parents end up projecting/forcing their dreams & expectations on their offspring without much care for their individuality!

[@michaelhenicker]

What a lovely man!!! What a GREAT MAN!!!

[@mackay4740]

What a great dad you are. Your insight has bonded you with your son and allowed you to have that relationship with him which you so richly deserve. It's a beautiful story and thanks for sharing.

[@Massev6871]

I'm glad you all found happiness.

[@kurootsuki3326]

What a wonderful way of bringing up the topic!

[@TheDuckAndRogerTheHorse]

Now there is a true gent.

[@TheDuglas63]

THank you for sharing, you rock, Good Job Dad.

[@jodiehedges767]

You are more of a man than all those men that claim to be as such. Thank you for your truth. Love the Love. Very inspirational.

[@manolingz]

You are a good dad, Sir.

[@templar23]

Americans need to absorb the healthy parts of christianity and not the toxic parts. If you believe in Jesus, you should listen to his words and discard the old testament. He is the son of God, is he not? He preaches love above all, way above everything else. Remember that, be a good christian.

[@Moosedog9]

what an amazing dad. thank you ❤️👊🏻

[@MELLIEbevhills]

WOW. What an amazing father. TIght.

[@tedwilliams7021]

Wow!! Your son is lucky, you a re Super dad! Thank you for being an understanding Parent

[@antonioenriquez3142]

Thanks for been such a great Parent!

[@ArefinSiddiquee]

He is a super Dad

[@peterharris1751]

You are a good father. Im proud that you're able to defend and love your son no matter what

[@linleywatson8291]

As a mother of a gay child you only want the same thing as you want for your straight child just to find true love and be truly happy

[@samray397]

Mom or Dad, u can't possibly know what makes yr child happy, boy or girl, unless u'r closer to them, like all the efforts this Nobleman made, talking more than listening... initially. Then, listening attentively...without probing unnecessarily! Positioning himself eventually! Brilliant! Are u willing to learn a thing or two through his experience? He's been so generous to share it. Accept it. Do not resist it defensively like his 1st wife!

[@robbyel3958]

Wow he chose his gay son over his 2nd wife. That is unconditional love.

[@lacyrussell6688]

Unconditional love is all we need.

[@SardonicALLY]

This is a man. This is a father.

[@scooterspearsy5580]

Ok I think he’s an amazing father and person, and his accent makes him better!

[@butterflyeffect6578]

What a beautiful person you are. God bless you.

[@rmontefalconrm]

You’re the best father I knew 👍🙏❤️

[@JoseMatutina1964]

Wonderful dad, and can I add that he's hot too.

[@iwnunn7999]

Amazing father

[@midnight840]

Strong loving parent , glad he found his own happiness

[@lalocandiera6530]

I understand that the struggle of your son has been your own. But as things ended up well for you so will be for your son, and that, thanks to you, good man!love from sicily...❤

[@tammyhartsell1735]

Yes, for sure, a REAL man!!!

[@Dignity100]

More parents should be like this.

[@zanyzoo6767]

Millions of people in the world gay or straight, would love a father like this. This is what parenting is. Any one can be a father or a mother but it takes insight , support and compassion to be a parent .

[@qtancourt371]

Just ran across this and was impressed by him, and by your channel giving the POV of how a parent deals with their child coming out. I felt bad for this guy because of all the strains he's had himself: death of his daughter as a baby, and two divorces. Would like to know what's going on his his world now, and what his relationship is with his son today.

[@davidrector7067]

The Lawnmower Man by David Rector. A wonderful LGBTIQ read for teens, adults and parents. The lawnmower man is the man you want mowing YOU and your lawn!!!

[@michaelrg3836]

I agree, talk more... there's only so much teenage music you can listen to in a car!🤣 Amazing father!

[@jimstarner9760]

Dude....Keep it in your pants! That's 6 kids!!! lol. Awesome you were there for your son. From a gay dad!

[@MA-hs6gz]

What a cool dad. In this world any man can be a dad to someone but it takes a certain man with special qualities and traits to be someone’s FATHER.

[@YoBoyMarcus]

I was hoping to hear from Fred.

[@curtisfranks1882]

This guy is what the best example of what real and loving father is. He made sure that his son never had to question his own worth and value as an individual is. Love does bring about love.

[@blemelin]

What an amazing man and human being.

[@johnjohnson3709]

You are a great father! 😊

[@jaybirddee3790]

Unbelievable. Wonderful father. What a blessing for his son and the world.

[@samray397]

Like Philip Le Boa says: you're a real man. Yes, you're a wholesome Dad!

[@pelletheconqueror7974]

Praise to you

[@jermen5137]

This is so amazing!! Great dad

[@seedhillbruisermusic7939]

what a great dad!

[@andiidoode]

wow! You have changed the world, it's truly fantastic what you have done! Sending you lots of love

[@ethanrogers6004]

Wish I had a dad like him.