As parents, we would do pretty much anything (within reason, of course) to show our support for our children, and one mum in the US has been praised for her actions of love this week.

 

Joan Wilson has been lauded for taking out a newspaper advert celebrating her son Drake, 17, coming out as gay.

 

While Drake first came out in a YouTube video two years ago, Joan’s latest actions were intended as a statement of love for her son and also as a protest against the repeal of Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance.

 

Under the measure, discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity were prohibited, and Joan wanted to send a strong message out to the public.

 

 

Joan’s $200 ad in the Houston Chronicle, read:

 

The parents of Drake are pleased to announce that their son has come out. Drake is currently a senior in High School, where he is captain of the tennis team, ASB Vice President, and NHS member. He is a church deacon and enjoys film-making and baking. And yes, he adores Barbara Streisand.

 

Speaking out after the ad drew attention online, Joan told the Texas Observer: “I couldn’t think of a better place than Houston, out of the entire country, where they needed to hear my message of pride. My announcement was my way of humanising the issue.”

 

What an inspiring message to send. Well done to Joan – we are sure she has empowered many other parents and their children around the world.

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