A boy named Nicholas shared this photo on Instagram, of the book The Joy of Gay Sex and a letter his parents left on his pillow after he came out. The photo, which has the caption, "I came out to my parents in August. This was on my pillow last night. I love you mom and dad" has been viewed more than 300,000 times, and more than 200 people have commented. Here's what the note says:

Dear Nicolas,

We recognize that this is an unusual book for parents to give to their children. But we would prefer that you not learn about sex solely from gay porn, and neither of us feels well-qualified to give you personal advice for obvious reasons.

So hopefully this will answer a few questions, and help explain some things.

Much love,
Mom 

His dad continued, writing:

We want you to know that we support you in all ways, and love you very much, even if this seems like an odd gift.

Love, 

Dad

 

So, yes, there are crazy homophobic and ignorant parents who disown their kids when they come out, and there are gay kids killing themselves because they have nowhere to turn, and there are many ugly, sad stories of rejection and pain. But there is also this. Good parents. Cool parents. Smart parents. And thanks to them, Nicholas will probably grow up to be a well-adjusted and decent human being. And Lord, the world needs more of those.