Dear Justin,

Having your parents divorce is tough enough. Sometimes the reasons for the divorce, like infidelity, can make the situation even more difficult. Your circumstances sound particularly challenging. All of us tend to put our parents on a pedestal growing up. During traumatic family events like divorce (and/or finding out that your dad is gay), we are often disappointed when we realize that our parents aren’t necessarily who we envisioned them to be. The fact that you love your father lets me know that you will eventually find a way to make peace with this new reality. Often when we have feelings of homophobia or prejudice, it is because we have little actual experience interacting with that kind of person and are left to make judgments based upon stereotypes. Hopefully as you begin to reestablish your relationship with your dad, it will reduce those fears and concerns.