Tomorrow on Bilerico: "If you see something, say something?"

You will have to go to Bilerico on Thursday after 2PM to find my response to this letter from a parent who wonders about the merits of outing a teenager.


Dear Father Tony,

I’m in a quandary about limits.

I have a colleague whose teen son is acknowledged by his school friends to be gay. My kid says “everyone knows.” But since my colleague has said nothing, I have no idea if he knows. I’m willing to show him I’m supportive, but is it appropriate for me to say something? Is it possible that the boy’s father doesn’t know what all the boy’s friends know and seem to accept? Or, if the father hasn’t come to terms with his son’s sexuality, should I mention “in passing” supportive comments about acceptance?

And on a related but theoretical note, what would you do if you have a friend and discover that the spouse of that person is gay? Do you say something? To whom?

I don’t know where the line is between helpfulness and intrusion. I would really appreciate your take on this.

Perplexed

UPDATE: Per BJ's request, here's the answer.