Teenage LGBT+ person shares emotional letter he sent to his parents after they didn't accept him

While important strides have been made in the US regarding LGBT+ rights in the past few decades, heartbreaking stories of non-acceptance from parents and family are sadly still all too common.

A young man called Kent yesterday shared an emotional letter written to his parents, who reportedly sat him down and threatened to cut him off unless he stopped being gay.

He had just returned from New York City’s historic Pride celebration.

Before leaving home, Kent wrote a letter that has now been shared nearly 8,500 times, saying:

There hasn’t been a day where I haven’t cried or struggled to find the energy to get out of bed. I feel trapped and manipulated every time I walk out of my room. This doesn’t feel like a home and I don’t think it ever will.

He continued:

You have accused me of being a bad person, of being an embarrassment, and telling me I have a psychological disorder.

I don’t think you guys will ever understand what it’s like to hear that from your own parents and how harmful and damaging it is to a child.

Perhaps the most devastating moment comes as Kent informs his parents of the prevalence of mental health issues within the LGBT+ community, especially for those whose families have not accepted their sexuality.

After explaining that young LGBT+ people who come from such families are 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide as those whose families accepted them, Kent wrote:

I'm leaving because I refuse to become another statistic.

Since leaving home, Kent has been staying with a friend while he looks for a job. However he would also like to continue with his education and has set up a GoFundMe page that has raised £1375 in just 13 hours.

Those donating to Kent's cause wrote messages of solidarity. One person wrote "Such a brave and strong young man", while another said: "Everyone needs a little help sometime I’m their life. This is Kent’s time."

While Ken said his parents are yet to contact him, others shared their support on Twitter.

Following the reaction online, Kent posted:

Kent told indy100: "Thank you to everyone who's reached out whether it be through a tweet, DM, or the GoFundMe. I'm extremely grateful to have so many people who care and believe in me.

If anyone is struggling or in the same situation as me please don't be afraid to ask for help and never feel ashamed because of who you love.

We're all deserving of love and happiness.

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