AIBU to think DS age 13 can be as camp as he likes

[LesleyPumpshaft]

DS age 13 is, how can I put it, has become very camp since he hit puberty.

He is a brony (a bloke who likes the new 'My Little Pony Friendship is Magic' cartoon), has a fine collection of scatter cushions for his bedroom and he enjoys products from Lush. He also is just very camp in his mannerisms.

I'm not even saying he is gay, because I know straight men who are camp. Although he does keep saying he is bisexual and then saying he was only joking. It wouldn't make any difference to me anyway. I told him that I think love and attraction are genderless and transcend boundaries such as race, gender and physical ability.

The thing is that the father of DS, who is XP is giving me a hard time about it. DP has given DS a ripping for choosing a fragrance from Lush called Lady Boy, so now DS doesn't use it which I don't mind because it is gorgeous, so more Lush for me!.

Other people raise eyebrows when they hear that DS doesn't like rugby, football etc and that I dont - shock horror - force him to do any manly activities! Also, more raised eyebrows when he tells them about how he is a brony etc. DP's family have given me a hard time over this also.

AIBU to think DS can be however the fuck he likes. He is a very interesting, intelligent, thoughtful and charming young man, if a little eccentric. His friends think highly of him. I think he should live the life he wants to live and do what makes him happy.

YANBU.

Yanbu. You sound like a lovely mum.

He is your son.

It wouldn't matter if he had 4 legs, 3 arms or 5 eyes. WHo gives a jot if he's a bit camp.

He is intelligent. Thoughtful, Interesting. Charming. He sounds wonderful and amazing.

You are SOOOO not being unreasonable.

Yanbu!!! He is who he is and if he's happy who cares!!! :)

My nephew loves my little pony too
I think you sound lovely and do does he

YANBU. He's being himself and he's happy. With your support this will continue.

YANBU and society does seem to be shifting to support you in that but there are a lot of people still stuck in the past.

You may do already but I would leave it up to him who he tells about his likes and dislikes though, I can think back to some of the things I thought cool when I was 13 and cringe and I am sure I am not alone in that. He doesn't need to hide stuff but as the mum of a boy about the same age I try to let him decide who to tell what to.

He sounds lovely and more importantly happy!, he is who he is and you sound like a great Mum.

Whatever about being camp, isn't he a bit old for my little pony?

You sound like a great mum. YANBU at all.

I really dont know what you can do about XP though. I guess some people have a "vision" for what their kids will be like, largely based on gender, and when this differs they cant cope.

Maybe he just needs time to come to terms with it.

A lot of teenage and 20s young men like My Little Pony at the moment, FannyFifer - I wouldn't be surprised if there were more of them than little ones watching. If you look up 'bronies' or 'derpy hooves' you'll find loads.

YANBU and I think your stance on your DS's personality will be very important to him over the coming years. It's great for him to have what you are giving, unconditional love. Others seem to want to place restrictions on him that would make them feel more comfortable. Balls to them, he should be himself and fwiw, he sounds lovely.

I'm sure he'll encounter some stick from (small minded) people in general for not being whatever is considered 'the norm' and will really need your support to remain confident in exactly who he is.

My best friend has a son of the same age who is very similar in his camp behaviour. He is excelling in drama which he loves, is very happy in himself and is a joy to talk to, interesting, funny and thoughful, much like your lovely DS.

He sounds great and you sound a great Mum. I would give a stern talking to XP as if he goes on this charming, happy ,confident boy could end up losing confidence and that would be awful.

Your son is lucky to have you!

I too have a camp 13 year old DS....he's always been like it.

Really? Have only ever heard young kids playing with them.
Goes to google.

My best friend at school was very camp. He now owns a chain of hairdressers.

YANBU.

YANBU and you sound a loving supportive mum.

You are being completely reasonable and your XP needs to wind his neck in. More power to you, you sound like a great mum and your lad sounds fantastic.

mumoflittlemouse Yes, drama, that is my son loves it too! He will be taking it for his options. DS has always been one to march to the beat of his own drum. I have always told him to never be ashamed of who he is. I was/still am a very shy and reserved person and I feel this has held me back in life.

FannyFifer OddBoots is correct, a great deal of adults enjoy My Little Pony.

worrywortisntworryinganymore He has his moments just like any teenager, and is going through a bit of a hiding in his room phase, but he is generally very easy going and a good lad. So, I'm enjoying that right now, you never know how the teenage years will pan out!

imnotmymum XP is a total penis tbh and DS has just decided that he doesn't want anything to do with him now. XP has bought that upon himself in all honesty. His loss really.

My exp is an anxious inadequate type of person who worries about things like my 4 year old ds wearing skinny jeans from the girls section in H&M (plain black jeans, only even possibly 'girly' thing about them is small section of leopard print in lining of waist band which can't even be seen when they are worn) - these worries are to do with his fragile sense of his own masculinity and are n indication my ex needs to change not my son in my opinion. Don't get me started on all the play fighting crap he is always trying to do with him...

Your son sounds lovely, it's not him that needs to alter his behaviour and attitudes. YANBU.