For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 09, 2022

what’s ridiculous is Connie’s reaction; now it’s stepfather Greg’s turn to hear the news

Well that went well….

He screwed up. First say “I want a sex change” and let her freak for awhile.

Then say “OK. No operation, but I’m still gay and I like guys over girls”.

Then she will say “Whew! Fine. Whatever you want. Just no surgery, please!”

“Calmly and sensibly”?

I wonder if most gay men have such stupid mothers!!

I imagine this is the typical response by most parents of gay children. Some parents might suspect but hoped they are wrong and still get upset when their children out themselves to their parents anyway. I read that why parents get upset is because they feel like they failed as parents by producing gay children and fear judgment. In reality, it has nothing to do with them as parents.

She’s really in denial. She doesn’t want to believe him.

Well that will be the last time he try’s to have a sensitive conversation with his mother.

LOL, classic reaction- I love the contrast between how serious Lawrence is and Connie’s obviously contrary reaction (contradicting what she’d JUST said- Comedy 101).

A friend of mine has a son who came out as gay. This was around 2012 and he was 16 at the time. We all just smiled and told him that we already knew and it’s no big deal.

So is your reaction

In the past, it was standard practice to blame the mother for a son being gay. The assumption was that she had somehow raised him to be a namby pamby Mama’s boy. We’ve come a long way in our understanding, not only of gays but of their parents.

This is why kids can’t confide in their parents. The parents just won’t digest what the kid is saying, and they want to think what they (parents) want to think. In this case, Connie is in denial.

Well, there you go. That was easy. Wasn’t it?

Connie is just showing the first sign of grief. Denial. Then comes anger, bargaining, depression, finally acceptance. Not everyone goes through all five stages. Some stick at one, and never progress. To Connie, this IS grief. She has lost her dreams for Lawrence.

Real smooth, Lawrence.

So Connie, was that CALM or SENSITIVE!?

So much for the comments that mothers can “suss it out”.

Well Michael, this is what happened when you badgered Lawrence into doing this.

Smooth move, Ex-Lax.

I admit that today’s strip is unfunny. Here is an idea to make it funnier:

Lawrence: “Mom, I’m gay.”

Lawrence’s mom: “Well, why shouldn’t you be? You are young, in good spirits, and have your whole life ahead of you. I would be happy and festive as well if I had all that going for me.”

Reality sets in and human emotion exhibits disbelief, then gives way to acceptance and love. Lynn is doing a marvelous job of treating the subject.

arents often go into denial, but if they really love their kids that get through it to accept it and life goes on.

Pardon my ignorance, but how are these two related?

There is a stand-up parent.

Connie, that’s not calm and sensible…

Lynn Johnston lost a bundle with this story. Many newspapers cancelled their contract. How do we reconcile the free market and freedom of speech with the fact that people need to have this forced upon them?

Well that shocked leaves off the tree.

We have two adult children that are gay and are married to the best spouses that we could have asked for. We are happy that they are happy with their lives. We are very close as a family and couldn’t ask for anything else. <3

It is her initial shock to him coming out. Hopefully she gives him a chance to explain his feelings before any more outbursts. If a parent is paying attention to their child’s actions / lifestyle you would think they would have an inkling.

He’s not gay…..he’s a faggot!

When I was a new mom, I already decided that no matter what gender or sexual orientation my child became I would be 100% supportive. My son is 14 now and we had “the talk” about a year ago where I told him he can tell me anything and yes, we even broached the gender identity discussion. He left the conversation knowing that his dad and I accept him for whoever he is now and in the future. I feel better knowing that I’m raising a child whom I hope one day raises his children the exact same way. Love, Support, and Advocate for your children!

Oh good grief. Connie is a stereotype.

This isn’t a comic strip anymore. It’s a soap opera! : )

Lawrence is being calm and sensible, Connie.

Man I would love to see this crowd watching Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. That would be a real hoot.

For a long time there were those who despised John, put down Elly, called Michael a pig, and Elizabeth a dumb blonde. But now we have a new group…

…Conniehaters!

Isn’t Connie in a gay marriage? If not, then Connie sure looks butch.

Way to go, Mom!!!

Nothing more “calm and sensible” than that.

I’m ridiculous.

Don’t be gay!!

Somehow that sounds better.