DS (16) told me he thinks he’s gay

[CyanHare]

So basically me and my son were chilling together when he opened up to me about a boy who he has been spending a lot of time with this summer. He said he thinks they are more than just friends and that he thinks he may be gay. To say this took me by surprise would be a massive understatement.
I know not all gay men are camp and feminine but my son is the complete opposite of that. He’s always been pretty popular and had girlfriends throughout school. He’s a footballer and starting a scholarship in September and I don’t want this to jeopardise his future as I know football is not the most accepting environment.
It’s obvious this lad makes him happy, his eyes lit up when talking about him, and that’s all I want for him.
I just don’t know how to approach this further without interfering. I’ve said im proud that he’s opened up to me and im glad he’s found someone that makes him happy. But I don’t know what else to do other than saying he can talk to me about anything. Any advice would be appreciated.

Why do you need to approach it further? He's already told you, which is great. Just be there for him if he wants to talk again.

I don't think you need to do anything else. I would not say anything about football not being very accepting. Just support him and cheer him on.

Sounds like you’ve dealt with it very well, you’ve appreciated him tell you and youve said you’re glad he’s happy. I’m not sure you could do much more than that.

Maybe suggest he invites him to your house?

You don't need to do anything else that you wouldn't have done if it was a new girl he was interested in.

You don’t need to do anything.

Thank you. Good idea, I’ll definitely suggest that. Would be lovely to meet him

For everyone saying I don’t need to do anything. Yes I understand that and I don’t want to interfere. But my son has asked me for advice and I don’t really know what to say

I don't think you need to do anything much. Id definitely have a talk about consent both ways, and safe sex.
Apart from that, its no big deal.

Ask him what he wants advice with, let him talk about his concerns if he has any, and let him express what he thinks possible solutions may be to any dilemmas he has? Sounds like he just wants to be able to talk to you about this part of his life, which is lovely. Just treat it like any other topic of conversation, you don't need to know any 'answers' or do anything specifically.

Yeah I’m so proud of him that he told be. And I said it wouldn’t change a thing. He hasn’t told anyone else including his Dad and friends so I think that’s his main worry at the moment but I said to him the fact he told me is massive and that he should only tell others when he’s comfortable.

Just wanted to add that we have a very distant relative and their DS has just come out as gay and all hell has broke loose with his DM.

DF (our side of the family) is totally cool with it. His DM’s side, who he lives with, well its awful. There are rows and she’s not letting the BF anywhere near the house. The poor lad is 18, has great results and works and he can’t wait to get away from home. I find it a really bizarre way to react. I think you’ve handled it really well.

This

As he has said he "thinks" he is gay. I'd just say to him it's common to not 100% know your sexual orientation when younger and to explore it. He may come to realise he is gay, he may be straight or he may be bisexual and all of those are fine. He doesn't need to define himself at a young age, it's no ones business but his and you love him and support him and are always there for him to talk to.

Other than that there is nothing to do other than be there for him and to continue as you are.

I've always said my children it's absolutely nothing to do with me who you choose to share your bed with or be in a relationship with as long as they treat you well and aren't a bad person, il be supportive of the relationship.