MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT
Reunite the Family by Inviting Excluded Gay Children to Come Home
by Carolyn Martinez Golujuch

The songs on the radio and in stores around town ring out with Holiday carols. Some of the lyrics talk about making a simple prayer, making the season bright, and being with those you love.

What does a mother of a gay son pray for during the holidays? Many mothers I know pray for a world without prejudice and discrimination, but most of all we pray for a world safe for our children, especially our gay children.

My children always ask me what I want for the holidays besides world peace. We all laugh and then I tell them that being together for the holidays is the best gift of all.

For some families, a gay child or the child’s partner is not welcome in the home. This is a loss for the family as well as the gay person. The holidays can be a terribly lonely time for a gay person when they are not welcome in their own family. Yet, the holidays continue to be sold as family events. In a country that is always talking about family values and saving traditional marriage, how can the exclusion of a family member be the family way?

What is a traditional marriage arrangement that would forsake even one child? Is it not part of family life to respect and revere every family member? What is love about when any family member is not welcome home for the holidays? Is life so disposable that any family can exclude a relative, gay or heterosexual? What does a person”s sexual identity have to do with the holidays?

The holidays are about love - love of each other, as our creator loves each of us. Life is short and this time next year there are no guarantees that any of us will be here. For sure, the stores will again be decorated.The airwaves will still resound with holiday carols. The sun will rise in the east and set in the west. But will our homes be warm with love for each relative? Will all our relatives look forward to celebrating as a family?

One way to make the holidays bright is to call or send an invitation to your gay relative so they know they are loved and welcome for the holidays. This might be difficult if it has been some time since you have been in contact. It might be awkward or even uncomfortable. Sometimes love takes an effort to be realized.The entire family will benefit from your efforts at peace making during the holidays. The reward of your effort will be a truly loving and joy filled holidays season.Then, the season will be bright for both you and the rest of the family, once the entire family is together for the holidays.again.

Peace on earth and good will to all!