When we think of childhood, some people reflect on the joys and happiness it brings to the family structure. My childhood was the opposite of being joyous. I experienced very traumatic episodes of physical abuse, psychological abuse, and homophobia from my father. The most critical aspect of my childhood development was when I decided to “come out” to my family. However, I did not tell them altogether, rather I told them separately when the time felt appropriate. I first expressed my identity to my mother when she picked me up from school one day. She stated, “thank you for being honest and I love you unconditionally”. Her reaction was genuine. I felt completely accepted by her. To this day, we still have an amazing relationship together.
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For example, we were a nuclear style family, before my parents’ divorce. My father was the breadwinner (dominate role), while mother also worked (non-traditional submissive role). My brother’s role was deemed the “hero” since he was a stellar student in school and identified as a heterosexual. My role on the other hand, was the “scapegoat”. I had low academic success, due to depression and my sexual identify was never confessed. From a systems theory perspective, my father was more concerned about how his family’s image was perceived in the community (mezzo-level) than accepting his own gay son …show more content…
Since I was a child, my father was rarely present. He often worked two jobs to maintain our household. When he was around, it was always a chaotic environment. Sadly, we still have little in common. Although, if I could re-write this story, I would change a few things. For instance, I wish that my father could have acknowledged having a gay son early on and reject negative social perceptions of the gay community. If I woke up tomorrow and the narrative had changed, I probably would not be the same person I am today. The obstacles I faced during that time brought awareness and insight in my life. If I had never experienced a traumatic childhood, I probably would not be pursuing a professional degree in social work. This experience in some manner has been a bittersweet moment in my
For example, we were a nuclear style family, before my parents’ divorce. My father was the breadwinner (dominate role), while mother also worked (non-traditional submissive role). My brother’s role was deemed the “hero” since he was a stellar student in school and identified as a heterosexual. My role on the other hand, was the “scapegoat”. I had low academic success, due to depression and my sexual identify was never confessed. From a systems theory perspective, my father was more concerned about how his family’s image was perceived in the community (mezzo-level) than accepting his own gay son …show more content…
Since I was a child, my father was rarely present. He often worked two jobs to maintain our household. When he was around, it was always a chaotic environment. Sadly, we still have little in common. Although, if I could re-write this story, I would change a few things. For instance, I wish that my father could have acknowledged having a gay son early on and reject negative social perceptions of the gay community. If I woke up tomorrow and the narrative had changed, I probably would not be the same person I am today. The obstacles I faced during that time brought awareness and insight in my life. If I had never experienced a traumatic childhood, I probably would not be pursuing a professional degree in social work. This experience in some manner has been a bittersweet moment in my