The first ever Out And Proud Parents Day has taken place.
On Tuesday 30 July, parents of LGBTQ youth were encouraged to reflect the bravery of their child and ‘come out’ to their friends, families and wider communities to help make it easier for other parents struggling to accept or understand their LGBTQ children.
The day was especially important for those in conservative cultural or religious communities, where the feeling of shame can prevent parents from speaking openly about their LGBTQ children.
Parents used the #OutAndProudParentsDay hashtag to share stories and pictures of their LGBTQ children and show how proud they were of them.
Our mission is to never let religion, any religion, come in the way of the unconditional love between parents and their children. Join the movement today! #OutAndProudParentsDay Check out our page here https://t.co/xtWw2rxI7x 🏳️🌈♥️ #Pride. pic.twitter.com/Uf4mXDxXjA
— Naz and Matt Foundation (@nazandmatt) July 30, 2019
The Out And Proud Parents Day was founded by Naz and Matt Foundation, a registered charity which was set up in 2014 following the loss of Matt’s fiancé and soulmate Naz.
Naz took his own life two days after his deeply religious family confronted him about his sexuality. The foundation exists to tackle homophobia triggered by religion to help parents accept their children.
See a selection of posts from Out And Proud Parents Day below.
My incredible Mom shares her thoughts on #OutAndProudParentsDay – her first time doing a video like this. Absolutely lovely you to bits Mom 🥰🤗😘 I'm really proud of you too – you're the best! ❤️💚💛💜 pic.twitter.com/F9YAEiNxWV
— Matt Mahmood-Ogston (@matthewogston) July 30, 2019
Attitudes are changing in some faiths.
24 yo Sameer Poselay was convinced he’d take his secret to the grave
But his entire family support him and challenge those who say you can’t be gay + Muslim
Dad: “We can save our children’s lives” #OutAndProudParentsDay pic.twitter.com/dynG1nkthV
— Nomia Iqbal (@NomiaIqbal) July 30, 2019
Sending love, hugs, acceptance to all #LGBTQ kids who’s parents are absent from their lives, whatever the reason #OutAndProudParentsDay @nazandmatt pic.twitter.com/ya6Au4NERi
— TTNHSU=U (@riverdancefan) July 30, 2019
It's Out and Proud Parents Day. Our beautiful and brilliant daughter Alice was a lesbian. We loved her unconditionally and were proud of her every day. We still do and we still are #OutAndProudParentsDay pic.twitter.com/8dqvs05bnQ
— Peter Driver (@PeterDriverart) July 30, 2019
Desi Rainbow supports #OutAndProudParentsDay. Our LGBTQ children light up our lives! #desirainbowparents pic.twitter.com/S4ezJzb9SQ
— Desi Rainbow (@desirainbow1) July 30, 2019
I love this boy and will always be there for him when he needs me and when he doesn't #OutAndProudParentsDay pic.twitter.com/LXpCBdhOgU
— Vicki Bennett (@bennett_e_vic) July 30, 2019
Find out more about the Naz and Matt Foundation here.
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