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10 Ways to Support Your Gay Kid, Whether You Know You Have One or Not

Last month being Pride Month, several articles regarding what parents should say when their child comes out to them were published. In general, I think they had really great advice that basically boiled down to this: Don't be an asshole. And that's generally good advice for any situation, and something I try to remember every time I see my in-laws. However, as parents, I think we should do a lot better.

So here are some helpful hints for supporting your gay child before they ever come out to you. After all, parenting gay kids does not start when they come out. They've been gay since day one, whether you knew it or not.

1. Acknowledge that your child could be gay.

Any child born to any parent or adopted into any family could be gay. Why? Because they are human beings, and some humans are gay. That's just a fact. And not acknowledging it doesn't do anyone any favors.

2. Show your child that people being gay is A-OK with you.

Talking to your children is always good. I recommend it. Tell your children you believe in equality for all people. But talking can only do so much. Actions speak more loudly than words. Some examples of actions:

Nike To Unveil Gay Pride Sneaker

Nike's latest line of sneakers under its #BeTrue Free Run 5.0 line were released as a nod to gay pride and LGBT people.

Profits of #BeTrue sales will go to the LGBT Sports Coalition, which has set the goal to end the practice of anti-LGBT discrimination in sport by 2016.

The sneaker promises a glove-like fit, with a barefoot running feel. In addition to the shoe, the collection includes sandals, graphic t's and tanks, and an iPhone 5 case. 

Nike is sponsoring the second annual LGBT Sports Summit next week in Portland, Ore. Currently, Nike, which has touted its 15-year relationship with LGBT organizations and supporting equality in sport, sponsors top WNBA draft pick and out athlete Brittney Griner, and out NBA veteran Jason Collins. 

Today is International Day Against Homophobia And Transphobia

Portland football fans choreograph giant anti-homophobia rainbow flag

Fans of Major League Soccer team the Portland Timbers staged an anti-homophobia demonstration at a match by holding up colored fabric squares to form a rainbow pride flag.

USA Today reports that the Timbers fans staged a tifo, or choreographed mosaic, at a match against California’s Chivas USA on Sunday. The spectators held up fabric squares in rainbow colours to form a Pride flag across several sections of the stadium.

Fans also held large banners reading “Pride not Prejudice” and “Football fans against homophobia”.

Last month Timbers player Will Johnson was the subject of homophobic abuse from Alan Gordon of the San Jose Earthquakes.

Gordon was suspended for using an anti-gay slur against Johnson during a game. 

He later said: “I’m going to use this for the good, that’s what I’ve decided to do. People that know me, know what type of person I am. I will choose to use this in the best way I can… I will do several things to let people know that it was a mistake.”

You Can Play’s co-founder Patrick Burke, an anti-homophobia in sports campaign group, visited the camp of baseball team the Toronto Blue Jays, and spoke about the damaging effect of homophobic slurs.

The Timbers went on to win the match 3-0.