Born this Way

Dad helps son raise the pride flag in epic TikTok video

The father of a 15-year-old gay son sent a powerful message to this world this week, as the pair raised an ally pride flag outside their home. Video of the flag-raising has since gone viral on TikTok.

John Wyatt, 45, helped commemorate the one-year anniversary of his son, Caden’s, coming out by raising the ally pride flag outside their Owasso, Oklahoma home. As an added effect, Lady Gaga‘s “Born this Way” played in the background.

@wyattearptulsa

Happy Pride Month to y’all, especially to my son! Love you @cadenwyatt12 #pridemonth #pride2021???? #ally #prouddad #proudmom Just do you boo…??

? Born This Way – Lady Gaga

“We are fixin’ to shock Oklahoma,” Wyatt says in the video with a puckish grin.

“We’re letting people know it’s a safe place,” Wyatt elaborated to BuzzFeed. “I’m not trying to cause any controversy in the neighborhood, but maybe there’s some person out there who will see that flag and smile and feel safe.”

Related: Homophobic flat-Earther breaks down in tears during pride flag trial

“I’m really lucky to have such supportive parents, because I know a lot of other people aren’t as lucky as me,” Caden added. “I want people to know that my parents have their back, and so do I.”

In the same interview, the Wyatts also expressed their initial nervousness over flying the flag–they feared it would get stolen, or vandals would deface their home. Fortunately, at the time of this writing, nobody has.

“I was kind of nervous at first, because I didn’t know how people were going to act, but I just don’t really care what they think anymore,” Caden said.

Caden welcomes the acceptance, particularly in a neighborhood chocked with Blue Lives Matter, Trump and Q-Anon flags. For him though, acceptance or hostility won’t stop him from living openly.

“I’m just going to be myself,” he says.

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated