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Dad Stops Supporting His Son Because He’s Gay, So He Learns How To Draw On Walls To Help Pay The Bills And His Art Goes Viral
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Dad Stops Supporting His Son Because He’s Gay, So He Learns How To Draw On Walls To Help Pay The Bills And His Art Goes Viral

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The Pew Center survey showed that nearly 4 in 10 LGBT adults in the US have been rejected by family and friends because of their sexual orientation. No wonder so many people feel scared to come out to their parents.

But 21-year-old João Neto from Cuiabá, Brazil was brave enough to take this hard step. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well. João tweeted that after his dad stopped supporting him financially, he had to find a way to make a living. That’s why João learned to draw and found a new passion in art. Let’s take a look at the work of this inspiring young man down below and don’t forget to show him your support!

More info: Twitter | Instagram

Image credits: barbiedopedra90

Image credits: barbiedopedra90

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João was over the moon upon finding that so many people support him

Image credits: barbiedopedra90

Image credits: barbiedopedra90

Views on homosexuality have shifted over time, but the process is still ongoing. In 1985, a Los Angeles survey showed that 89% of American adults would be upset if their child came out as LGBT, and only 9% said they’d be okay with it. A survey by Pew Research showed that 57% of parents would not be upset if their child come out as gay or lesbian. The same survey showed that gay adults are more likely to share this info with their moms (70% of gay men, 67% of lesbians) than with dads (53% gay men, 45% lesbians). Read more about coming out experiences in LGBT voices right here.

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People praised João for his talent and courage

Image credits: MelissaLelis

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Image credits: JamesGarFig

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Image credits: VivianUchoa4

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phil-lucas avatar
Lucas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a crappy dad! Lots of people have to support themselves from a much earlier age and so it's not exactly unusual to be financing yourself at 21. I was at 16 which wasn't exactly a barrel of laughs. Dreadful reason for Joao though. Love your kids for who they are!

sterrinarnold avatar
Sterrinatu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My family hasn't supported me financially since I was 18. I'm having a hard time feeling sorry for this guy who at 21 now has to support himself.

leahnicholson avatar
Helouise Doofenschmirtz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Support" doesn't just mean financial. Think about how often you rely on any family member for anything--even just knowing that they are there is a huge blessing. It would be excruciatingly painful to be rejected from your family, especially for coming out to them and making the brave choice to unapologetically be yourself. My heart goes out to him. Sending love his way.

Load More Replies...
chi-weishen avatar
chi-wei shen
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do feel sorry for any young man losing his father in this way, but I absolutely do not feel sorry for a 21 year old man who has lost his father's financial support. Right now he might only see the financial side, but losing the father goes so much deeper.

anacamilazabalagaflores avatar
sweetangelce04 avatar
CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t understand how someone could abandon their child for something as simple as their sexuality. It’s like you don’t want them to be happy and true to themselves

juan-i-alcorta avatar
Juan Alcorta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most of my mates at university had to work to be able to study.

crunchewy-watson avatar
CrunChewy McSandybutt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just don't get it. I miss my boys so much and think about them every day (we live a good distance apart). I can't imagine cutting them out of my life for something so... trivial.

odiasuda565 avatar
Scratch
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He should have stopped supporting you because you're 21, not because you're gay.

hodorhodor avatar
Hodor! Hodor?
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf! 21 and expecting Daddy to pay for everything? Grow a pair of bollocks, get a job, earn your own money, stop crying like a little b***h! Welcome to the real world

snorincats avatar
Kathy Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey “dad”, (lower case intentional), you totally flunked yourself out of fatherhood. Fathers don’t abandon their child just because they didn’t turn out the way you planned. People turn out the way they ARE, and it’s cruel to try and force them to be something else through emotional blackmail like cutting off desperately needed support. This is your child, mister. You better get the f**k over yourself and love him. I don’t even know him and I love him. If you can’t do that simple thing—-love your child—-then you are not a man. You’re just a sniveling a*****e who is going to miss out on some beautiful moments with his incredibly talented son.

cruzarts avatar
Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've read stories of people accused of murder and their parents mortgaged their house and attended court every day. My mom managed a restaurant for a 20 years. When I came out, I thought it would be okay, because the gay waiters were her favorites. She freaked out. My mom, who had never been religious, all of a sudden told me I was going to Hell. We didn't speak for 20 years, until just before she died, and even then she was a jerk.

yo-it5-alex-haiiii avatar
0-.A.Opinion.-0
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is Horrible! This happens so much with the community that it's heart-breaking how corrupt people could be.. We're all people the only difference is what our love preferences are! I hope Joao thrives from his artwork. His dad doesn't realize how horrific he truly is. But on the plus side this will give him independence so he can freely love whoever he wants to. I hope he lives a good life despite his terrible experience of showing who he truly is.

abelbocker avatar
Thunder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the past, being gay was not normal. Now being against being gay is not normal. That dad is not normal. Why are some people still like this?!

annielaurie avatar
AnnieLaurie Burke
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF is wrong with people? Anyone should be proud to have an articulate, talented, handsome son like Joao. What does a child's being gay change? Nothing! And, as an American, I am revolted to think 40% of American parents of LGBT kids react negatively to their children's orientation. It seems we really haven't evolved very far, after all!

ashleytt avatar
Bee Diaz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So he is an entitled, adult homosexual, grow up and get a job.

ashleytt avatar
Bee Diaz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has nothing with him being a deviant, it is because he comes across as a spoiled, entitled brat. He thinks that because he is gay that the world owes him something. Grow up, grow a pair and get a job.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents stopped supporting me, too, when I turned 18 because I was an adult. He's 21 and a grown man, he should be supporting himself, his sexuality should have nothing to do with that. What is with the infantilization of kids today? Why aren't parents teaching life skills anymore? I honestly don't get this.

nealevans44 avatar
Neal Evans
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I left school at 15 so I could work and support my parents, cry me a river

dawnmurph avatar
Dawn Murphy
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

OR....What if his parents stopped supporting him solely because of his age and this was his "cry for attention" post to gain customers?

andrewpjump avatar
Andrew P Jump
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Are we sure it was because he was gay??? I mean, if my son were 21, I cut him off financially as well. Not to mention, the out pour of sympathy from this only gained him more attention to support himself financially.

akula971 avatar
Akula971
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

My first jobs were at 8-14 years old, cutting grass, washing neighbours cars. At 15 I got a job at a petrol station. At 16 I started a 4 year apprenticeship and paid my parent board to cover my living costs. This cry baby needs to get a job and pay his way. His father knew that tough love was needed, no more free cash for you! and the man child wails "its because I'm gay isn't it" you are horrible, and I'm going to tell everyone! whaaaaa! You all rush to judgement on the father in your echo chambers, without hearing his side. Real nice and smart!

deb_14 avatar
Carrie de Luka
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are merely making judgements in the opposite direction. Doesn't make you anymore likely to be right or any kinder than anyone else here who are judging the father. Adding in some toxic masculinity on top with your 'tough love' and accusations of him wailing. THAT is 'real nice and smart'. Yeah, too many people get their hand held for too long. So what? Are you claiming to be a better person because you didn't?

Load More Replies...
phil-lucas avatar
Lucas
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a crappy dad! Lots of people have to support themselves from a much earlier age and so it's not exactly unusual to be financing yourself at 21. I was at 16 which wasn't exactly a barrel of laughs. Dreadful reason for Joao though. Love your kids for who they are!

sterrinarnold avatar
Sterrinatu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My family hasn't supported me financially since I was 18. I'm having a hard time feeling sorry for this guy who at 21 now has to support himself.

leahnicholson avatar
Helouise Doofenschmirtz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Support" doesn't just mean financial. Think about how often you rely on any family member for anything--even just knowing that they are there is a huge blessing. It would be excruciatingly painful to be rejected from your family, especially for coming out to them and making the brave choice to unapologetically be yourself. My heart goes out to him. Sending love his way.

Load More Replies...
chi-weishen avatar
chi-wei shen
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do feel sorry for any young man losing his father in this way, but I absolutely do not feel sorry for a 21 year old man who has lost his father's financial support. Right now he might only see the financial side, but losing the father goes so much deeper.

anacamilazabalagaflores avatar
sweetangelce04 avatar
CatWoman312
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t understand how someone could abandon their child for something as simple as their sexuality. It’s like you don’t want them to be happy and true to themselves

juan-i-alcorta avatar
Juan Alcorta
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most of my mates at university had to work to be able to study.

crunchewy-watson avatar
CrunChewy McSandybutt
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just don't get it. I miss my boys so much and think about them every day (we live a good distance apart). I can't imagine cutting them out of my life for something so... trivial.

odiasuda565 avatar
Scratch
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He should have stopped supporting you because you're 21, not because you're gay.

hodorhodor avatar
Hodor! Hodor?
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf! 21 and expecting Daddy to pay for everything? Grow a pair of bollocks, get a job, earn your own money, stop crying like a little b***h! Welcome to the real world

snorincats avatar
Kathy Baylis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey “dad”, (lower case intentional), you totally flunked yourself out of fatherhood. Fathers don’t abandon their child just because they didn’t turn out the way you planned. People turn out the way they ARE, and it’s cruel to try and force them to be something else through emotional blackmail like cutting off desperately needed support. This is your child, mister. You better get the f**k over yourself and love him. I don’t even know him and I love him. If you can’t do that simple thing—-love your child—-then you are not a man. You’re just a sniveling a*****e who is going to miss out on some beautiful moments with his incredibly talented son.

cruzarts avatar
Steve Cruz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've read stories of people accused of murder and their parents mortgaged their house and attended court every day. My mom managed a restaurant for a 20 years. When I came out, I thought it would be okay, because the gay waiters were her favorites. She freaked out. My mom, who had never been religious, all of a sudden told me I was going to Hell. We didn't speak for 20 years, until just before she died, and even then she was a jerk.

yo-it5-alex-haiiii avatar
0-.A.Opinion.-0
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is Horrible! This happens so much with the community that it's heart-breaking how corrupt people could be.. We're all people the only difference is what our love preferences are! I hope Joao thrives from his artwork. His dad doesn't realize how horrific he truly is. But on the plus side this will give him independence so he can freely love whoever he wants to. I hope he lives a good life despite his terrible experience of showing who he truly is.

abelbocker avatar
Thunder
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the past, being gay was not normal. Now being against being gay is not normal. That dad is not normal. Why are some people still like this?!

annielaurie avatar
AnnieLaurie Burke
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF is wrong with people? Anyone should be proud to have an articulate, talented, handsome son like Joao. What does a child's being gay change? Nothing! And, as an American, I am revolted to think 40% of American parents of LGBT kids react negatively to their children's orientation. It seems we really haven't evolved very far, after all!

ashleytt avatar
Bee Diaz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So he is an entitled, adult homosexual, grow up and get a job.

ashleytt avatar
Bee Diaz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has nothing with him being a deviant, it is because he comes across as a spoiled, entitled brat. He thinks that because he is gay that the world owes him something. Grow up, grow a pair and get a job.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents stopped supporting me, too, when I turned 18 because I was an adult. He's 21 and a grown man, he should be supporting himself, his sexuality should have nothing to do with that. What is with the infantilization of kids today? Why aren't parents teaching life skills anymore? I honestly don't get this.

nealevans44 avatar
Neal Evans
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I left school at 15 so I could work and support my parents, cry me a river

dawnmurph avatar
Dawn Murphy
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

OR....What if his parents stopped supporting him solely because of his age and this was his "cry for attention" post to gain customers?

andrewpjump avatar
Andrew P Jump
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Are we sure it was because he was gay??? I mean, if my son were 21, I cut him off financially as well. Not to mention, the out pour of sympathy from this only gained him more attention to support himself financially.

akula971 avatar
Akula971
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

My first jobs were at 8-14 years old, cutting grass, washing neighbours cars. At 15 I got a job at a petrol station. At 16 I started a 4 year apprenticeship and paid my parent board to cover my living costs. This cry baby needs to get a job and pay his way. His father knew that tough love was needed, no more free cash for you! and the man child wails "its because I'm gay isn't it" you are horrible, and I'm going to tell everyone! whaaaaa! You all rush to judgement on the father in your echo chambers, without hearing his side. Real nice and smart!

deb_14 avatar
Carrie de Luka
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are merely making judgements in the opposite direction. Doesn't make you anymore likely to be right or any kinder than anyone else here who are judging the father. Adding in some toxic masculinity on top with your 'tough love' and accusations of him wailing. THAT is 'real nice and smart'. Yeah, too many people get their hand held for too long. So what? Are you claiming to be a better person because you didn't?

Load More Replies...
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