How did we get this far?

[Marc]

I came out when I was 16. in 1995.
I was forced into it really, I was in Year 11 at school, stories about me had been doing the rounds for a bout a year, and I was being bullied by pupils and teachers for being gay.

Anyway I started missing school, and eventually a letter was sent home.

I had a bf, he was my best friend also, we were kinda going out since we were 12... just babies... but nobody knew, and I was terrified of my family, especially my Dad, finding out.
Dad is an Ex Royal Marine Commando, he fought in the Falklands and was part of the liberation force, he also spent time in Northern Ireland fighting the IRA, plus numerous other hard core postings, so he is a proper 'man' if you know what I mean.

Anyway I arrived home 1 evening, walked into the kitchen to find Dad stood there holding a letter from school.
He looked at me, and said 'you better have a damn good reason for your behaviour, not start talking.'

I just burst out crying, and said every body hates me, the teachers pick on me, the pupils pick on me, all cuz I'm gay.

My bf, Lee, was stood outside.. Dad didn't say a word, looked at me, then opened the door and said 'Lee, get in here'.
Then he said to us both 'sit down'.

We sat at the table, then Dad picked up 3 glasses, put 1 in front of each of us, filled them with Whiskey, then said 'Lee, welcome to the family. Now drink up'.

He then said to me 'Dont worry Son, I'll sort it.'

The next day he took me to school, and visited the Head Master, I don't know what happened, but I never had a single problem after that.

Oh, and Dad has hardly mentioned the gay thing since.