He Expected His Family to Celebrate His Gay Marriage, but His Brother’s Stance on His Sexuality Left Him Shattered.

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In a poignant testament to love and acceptance, the Original Poster (OP) navigates the jagged terrain of family acceptance as he prepares to wed his long-time partner, Scott. However, his anticipated proposal of the ‘best man’ role to his older brother sparks an unexpected storm of homophobia. The consequences of this reveal leave OP torn between family ties and the pursuit of unapologetic love.

The Revelation

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At the age of seventeen, OP bravely comes out as gay to his Southern Baptist family in Florida, facing expected hurtful responses from relatives. However, his older brother steps forward in support, promising to stand up for him against their father if needed.

Fast Forward to Adulthood

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Now, at the age of thirty, OP finds love with his boyfriend Scott, and they plan to marry in April next year. OP starts putting together a memento package from their childhood to ask his older brother to be his best man.

The Unexpected Phone Call

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Two weeks prior to his best man proposal, OP’s brother calls him out of the blue, claiming he wants to talk about something he’s been holding in. The unexpected contact stirs curiosity and a hint of apprehension in OP. It is soon revealed that the call carries an unexpected message.

A Stinging Sermon

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OP’s brother launches into a rant about how he believes homosexuality is wrong and against “what God wants.” He admits he likes Scott and loves OP but still thinks their impending marriage is not right. This sudden confession from someone OP thought of as a supporter sends shockwaves through his belief system.

The Absence of Innocence

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Adding to OP’s disbelief, his brother tells him that his three-year-old niece, whom OP and Scott adore, won’t be attending their wedding. The reason given is the brother’s reluctance to explain the nature of their relationship to her. However, he anticipates still being invited to the wedding himself.

An Unseen Alliance

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OP discovers that his brother’s wife, who he’s known since he was twelve, shares the same homophobic sentiment. This comes as an additional shock, as she was part of the family members he felt close to. Furthermore, his father’s side of the family shares the same viewpoint, though he’s already distanced himself from them emotionally.

A Mother’s Fury

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Learning about her older son’s hurtful stance, OP’s mother is livid and upset. Her outrage fuels further discord within the family. Meanwhile, OP is grappling with the pain of rejection and betrayal from the family members he considered safe.

A Stark Contrast

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OP’s fiancé Scott comes from a loving and supportive Italian Catholic family, which further highlights the bigotry he is facing in his own family. The contrast creates a sense of embarrassment within OP, intensifying his emotional turmoil. The image of their unwavering support makes his own family’s stance even more unbearable.

A Heartfelt Ultimatum

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In response to their judgment, OP tells his family that if anyone is silently thinking that his marriage is wrong, they should just stay home. He acknowledges their love but criticizes it for being conditional and limited. He urges them to unlearn their prejudices if they’re willing.

The Silence After

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OP’s plea for understanding seems to fall on deaf ears, and he doubts that a change of heart will occur within his family. He finds himself battling the sting of rejection and the slow creep of despair. The family he thought would support him has let him down.

The Unexpected Reactions

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OP finds himself navigating a range of opinions from his friends and acquaintances, some pushing him towards compromise and others urging him to cut ties. He’s a centrist at heart but struggles to see a middle ground in his situation.

A Growing Divide

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OP’s family’s stance widens the gap between them, putting OP in a difficult position as his wedding approaches. The tension within the family grows, creating a toxic environment. OP is left wondering how he can maintain relationships in the face of such deep-seated prejudice.

The Internal Struggle

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OP battles with the thought of having a wedding without his immediate family. He struggles to reconcile his wish for their presence with the knowledge of their bigotry. He is torn between his happiness and the harsh reality of his family’s prejudice.

Was The Man’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts his story online for feedback and support. The readers in the community forum had a lot to say on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “Unfortunately, for some reason, weddings tend to bring out the worst in people. People say things they would otherwise hold their tongue about because they view weddings as so final. I’m sorry your brother revealed the ugly center.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “It’s your day, and they don’t need to be there if they aren’t committed to your happiness or allowing prejudice to change how they treat you.”