Protection from their own fears. They don’t, and won’t allow themselves to, know about us and the community, and that lack of understanding is the root of fear.
My bestie’s oldest child just graduated high school. I was to be part of the graduation party, etc. The kid said that he didn’t want any friends, just family. When my bestie asked about me, he said “Oh, no, Evelyn is family. She’s invited.” But then my bestie’s dad came into town (I was supposed to be meeting more of the family…her kids already call me “Auntie Evelyn”). There was the grad party on Saturday and another party on Sunday. Dad said “Evelyn can come over on Monday”. I’ve since found out that the dad will not use my bestie’s second child’s name…the child is NB and has changed their name. One of my bestie’s brother’s kids is showing signs that they might be gender diverse, and dad didn’t want the kid to see a trans woman. All fears in the dad’s mind. He was “protecting” his family…my bestie was very disappointed, the graduate was disappointed. Some of the other family members were disappointed, because they had wanted to meet me. All because of fear in dad’s mind.
