I'm From Driftwood

Liam Riley Discusses Homophobic Dad’s Journey From Disgust To Pride

Liam-Riley

As a teenager, Liam Riley got used to his dad shouting homophobic slurs at the television. But a few years later, his dad’s attitude took an abrupt about-face, and he ended up fronting the tuition for Liam to go to one of the best dance schools in the Los Angeles area. It’s the kind of transformation thousands of gay kids wish their parents were strong and smart enough to make.

Related: The Mystery Surrounding “Driftwood’s” Tortured Ex-Gay Survivor

“He just looked at me and was like, ‘Okay, how much is it going to cost?” he tells I’m From Driftwood. “And I was just so taken aback, I was like, ‘Oh my God, he just said I could do it….’ I thought he was going to completely blow it off and say no.”

Later in the year, when competition season came around, Liam’s dad was the very first person to come and watch him in action.

Related: How This Young Gay Man Forgave His Father For Forcing Him To Endure Hell Of Conversion Therapy

“He saw that I had an interest and a love and a dedication for it,” Liam says, “and he was sold on that mere fact.”

Dancing aside, we have to wonder how Dad feels about Liam’s current exploits. We hope he’s continued to find acceptance.

Listen to Liam tell his story here: 

 

Related: This Is Nelson. He Has Something To Say About Racism In The Gay Community. You Should Listen.

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