With all the Sturm und Drang over Michael Sam being drafted by the St. Louis Rams, parents might be wondering how best to discuss Sam’s…um, lifestyle choice. How might an adult best address this sensitive topic with their progeny without worrying that doing so might let them know “Gay is O.K.”?
Not being a parent, I don’t presume to tell those those raising children how to talk to their children about “The Gay.” Short of setting your eight-year-old up with a hooker to show him the “advantages” of “normal” sex, discussing such a sensitive subject can be…wait; why is talking to your child about Michael Sam have difficult? Considering some of the stupid, offensive things heterosexual football players have done and continue to do, being gay is a problem? When you evaluate the laundry list of crimes and offensive behavior “not gay” players have gotten away with, being gay seems rather benign, no?
If you want to know how to talk to your children about Michael Sam, how about being honest? Tell them that Michael Sam is a talented football player who treats others as he would hope to be treated himself. Tell them he doesn’t beat and/or abuse women. Tell them that he doesn’t think those who are different are “less than.” Tell them that Sam is honest about who he is, and that he loves someone who brings him happiness.
Talking about Michael Sam should be easy, especially when you understand that some of his straight colleagues are little more than thugs and criminals. There can be little doubt about who the true role model is. Perhaps that’s a good place to start.
