Concerned about DS

[Anonymous]

DS (15, rising sophomore) is openly gay. He says it's been fairly easy, no bullying or any of that stuff. Overall, he has many friends and is very happy.

However, I'm a little worried about one thing. He's single right now, but has been getting some attention from rising seniors (I know this through a mixture of what he's told me and what I've heard him talking with his friends about). One senior has been referring to him as a "twink", which I understand is a term that sometimes has some sexual connotations. I don't know if this age gap is really appropriate, I know it was considered to be when I was in high school but things may have changed. Most of all, as a straight lady I feel like I should get some different, queer perspectives on this. And if I do allow my son to date these somewhat older guys, what should I make sure to talk to him about? Thanks everyone.

[Anonymous]

Twink is a type of gay guy. Just like you might be a curvy girl. Yes you may be someone's type but it's descriptive more than sexual in and of itself.

If you had a 10th grade daughter who wanted to date a 12th grade boy, would you "allow" it? And if you didn't allow it, how would you stop it? Like any other high school relationship, this will have a shelf life so even if he ends up wanting to date an older boy, it's not going to last too long.

Ultimately I think you need to talk to him about this.