Love My Gay Dad

A closeted father. A limp-wrist confession I mocked instead of heard. And years of quiet, buried grief hiding behind a good handshake.

This one's personal, and it's got teeth.

Music: "Awaken Child" by Alex Kaplan. Listen and follow him wherever you stream music.

One ask. I don't ask for donations. I don't want your money through Patreon, Venmo, or any other platform. And I have no intention of taking advertising dollars, now or ever. What I do value is knowing these episodes are heard.

So if this one meant something to you, follow American Refugee on Spotify, or subscribe wherever you listen. Then share it with one person who needs to hear it. That's how a small, independent show grows, and it's the only support I'm asking for.

For the written word, with deeper dives, more receipts, and the same voice, find me on Substack: @kbamericanrefugee

Stay awake out there.
American Refugee

If any part of this story is yours, whether you're the one still in the closet, the one who loves someone who is, or the one who didn't listen when it mattered, these people can help:

• LGBT National Help Center: peer support and information for all ages, including people still closeted. ⁠1-888-843-4564⁠ · ⁠lgbthotline.org⁠• SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline: for older LGBTQ+ adults and those who love them. ⁠1-877-360-5428⁠ · ⁠sageusa.org⁠• PFLAG: support for LGBTQ+ people and their families. ⁠pflag.org⁠• The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis support for LGBTQ+ young people, ages 13–24. ⁠1-866-488-7386⁠ · text START to 678-678• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 for crisis support (US)