Speak out for gay brother at family reunion or change the subject?

[Anonymous]

PP here...ugh I didn't read our update before posting XD So they know yet they still ask and they are making shy attempts at inviting his partner over - sounds like a first gentle step in the direction of changing opinions to me. I'd tell your brother to be honest. It's his decision if he wants to try to forgive and take a step towards the people who hurt him...but it sounds to me like he should at least know that some family members really miss him and aren't homophobic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When they bring it up, you could ask them if everyone would be comfortable with him and his partner there. Maybe they're just asking after him to be nice. Maybe they do want to reach out. They're the ones who have rejected gays, so it's up to them to embrace your brother and his partner. I don't blame your brother for shrugging them off.

There doesn't need to be anything confrontational or negative about your side of the conversation. And it's really all just talk, since it would be up to your brother whether he ever sees them again.

I like this idea. If you can say it in a sincere tone it can keep things at least superficially positive and non confrontational, while still hopefully cluing them in to what their Facebook posts and such are doing to your brother's relationship with his extended family. It might be more effective than a direct rebuke, which could just get their hackles up.