We asked Pippa, as the mother of a gay son, if she had any advice to the questions and reactions families may naturally have when a child comes out. Hopefully these posts will help some people prepare for the questions their parents may ask, and answer some questions family and friends may have.

Is it my fault?

Categorically no, no more than it is your fault that your child has grown to be a 5 foot 9 inch red head with a loud laugh. Now, if your child has grown to dislike rice pudding with a vengeance, that could be said to be your fault if you force fed them tinned Ambrosia every weekend. There could be other more serious traits for which you could claim responsibility, good or bad, as parents none of us is perfect, but your child’s sexuality is something he or she was born with.