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[KPN]

36. I have a gay, vegan, animal rights activist son. He expresses the same feeling of not being or

feeling welcome in many, probably most settings. I'm mentioning this because: (1) your statement above resonated with me having spent a lot of time with and listening to my son in the past several years and the deep love and appreciation I have for him and who he is; and (2) your expression helps validate him in a very small, seemingly insignificant but also meaningful way and I want to thank you for that and return the favor by validating you in response. Your feelings are legitimate. Don't ever feel bad about having them or, more importantly, bad about yourself for having them.

By the way, my son has recently found himself -- by this I mean he has learned to love himself and who he is -- and come into his own. He is in his later 30s now and it took him many years, but he seems to be there -- and he hasn't given up any of his values or passion for what he believes in.

I'm kind of rambling now, I know. Just know that there are many of us who understand and appreciate what you said.