Marcia Gay Harden to moms who don't accept their queer kids: "You're missing out on a fabulous life" - Queerty

Mothers are presented as leaders of community change and advocates for protecting children’s rights. Rejecting or excluding LGBTQ+ people from family life is framed as self-harm that deprives children of belonging and meaningful experiences. Exclusion is described as causing children to avoid returning home for holidays. LGBTQ+ participation in family celebrations is portrayed as joyful and distinctive, including humor and warmth around traditions. Allyship is urged through marching, protecting rights, and joining the LGBTQ+ community. Instead of telling young people they are wrong or undeserving of dignity, differences are reframed as openings for light and growth.

"Families who don't accept the queer community, and because I also believe that mothers are the real vanguards of change and the torchbearers for community, it is mothers that I'm talking to tonight.If you've not welcomed the queer community into your life, either as friends or should you be so lucky, your children, you are cutting off your nose to spite your face. You're missing out on a fabulous life experience and basically you're making a great big mistake."

"Saying to your children, you can't be you and live in my home or be in my family, you are losing out because they won't come home for Christmas.Honey, you haven't seen anything until you've seen a lesbian stuff a Thanksgiving turkey. No one chooses the holiday decorations for the Christmas party faster than a gay man...And should your ex happen to show up at that same Christmas party with his girlfriend or perhaps the new wife, the queers will be the first to tell you that you are serving c*nt."

"To these mothers, I say join us, march with us, help us protect your child, help us protect their rights, be an ally. Your life will be extraordinarily enhanced and open up wonderful new doors and new experiences for you.So instead of telling young people all across the country that who they are is somehow wrong or they are undeserving of dignity, join us in pointing out that what other people see as faults or cracks is simply where the light gets in."

Read at Queerty