I want to begin by acknowledging the deep love and concern you have for your child, Drei. It's evident from your Facebook post that your intentions are rooted in love and a desire to protect your child. As someone who has experienced both the joys and challenges of parenthood, your feelings are relatable to many.
The journey of parenthood is indeed complex, filled with moments of joy, laughter, and, at times, disagreements. It’s perfectly normal to share your own experiences of facing differences with your own parents, highlighting the sometimes painful but well-intentioned choices they made on your behalf. Your perspective serves as a reminder that parents often act out of conflicted love and concern for the well-being of their kids, even when those actions may ironically harm the children they are trying to protect.
I acknowledge that you draw strength and guidance from your faith and the teachings of the Bible. Your beliefs are deeply personal and meaningful to you, and they have shaped your approach to parenting. You've emphasized your desire to point your children toward Jesus and to secure their future through faith.
However, I'd like to encourage you to consider a different perspective, one that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance. In recent years, the LGBTQ+ community has made significant strides in achieving equal rights and recognition. Drag queens, like your beloved child, Drei, have become symbols of self-expression, creativity, and resilience. Many drag queens are beloved by the LGBTQ+ community and beyond for their ability to break down barriers and inspire others to be true to themselves.
Remember that Drei's journey is uniquely their own, and their identity and passions are a part of who they are. While your concerns for their well-being are valid, it's equally important to support them in a way that nurtures their personal growth, happiness, and self-acceptance.
Maybe you could take some time to sit down with Drei and have a heartfelt and honest conversation. Try to understand where they're coming from and what dreams are driving them. In doing so, you might just find a way to support them without sacrificing your own beliefs. Remember, it's absolutely possible to love your child unconditionally while still giving them the space to be themselves and respecting their autonomy.
Izzy, I strongly encourage you to think about the idea of embracing your child's individuality and being there to support them as they explore and discover themselves. I understand that this path can seem challenging at times, especially when it feels like your own beliefs might be at odds with your child's choices. But I want you to know that this journey, as bumpy as it may appear, has the potential to be a significant driver of growth, both for your child and your relationship with them.
It's not their gender identity that leads LGBTQ+ individuals astray. Instead, it's often the heart-wrenching experiences of homophobia and transphobia, right within the confines of their own homes. This, Izzy, is profoundly ironic because these homes and families, in their words, preach love and protection.
This irony can be one of the most painful aspects of this journey. The very places that should provide safety and unconditional love can sometimes become the source of anguish for those who dare to be themselves.
I can only imagine the internal struggle you might be going through, caught between your love for your child and the beliefs you hold dear. This tug-of-war between love and conviction is something many parents grapple with. But, Izzy, I encourage you to reflect on the idea that embracing your child's true self can be a way to break free from the cycle of prejudice and misunderstanding. It's about creating a home where love truly prevails, where your child can thrive without the shadows of fear and discrimination.
There have been many queer children who were influenced by the Sexbomb dancers. You used to be gay icons. In fact, there's a line that LGBTQ+ individuals often use to remind themselves of their resilience: "Hindi tayo pinalaki ng Sexbomb para bumawi." With your continued nurturing of your own child, may they grow up just like how the Sexbomb dancers raised us: not quickly giving up on life even when denied the right to love freely and express themselves.