As Long As No One Knows

A laugh. "She thinks she doesn't like boys, but she'll change her mind when she's older."

Impossible to admit that it's more than a phase.

"She's not sure what she likes. She'll go back to boys though."

Comment to family's questions on a daughter's sexuality.

"Just don't tell so many people. You're going to get yourselves killed."

Response to a daughter not wanting to hide who she was.

"You like boys too, it can't hurt to text them and talk to them."

Response to the daughter's annoyance at attempts to set her up with boys she's never met.

"You can't wear that to school! You're not supposed to make statements like that."

Response to a shirt reading 'Have a Gay Day.' Just because it had the word gay in it, of course.

"Why are you wearing that? Do you want to be hated?"

Response to the daughter wearing a rainbow bracelet in public.  

"Shh! People can hear you!"

Anytime the daughter speaks about being gay in public.

"Do you have to be so open about it?"

Anytime she tries to show her pride.

"Again? Give it a rest already."

Anytime she finds anything relating to gay pride.

She says she's fine with her daughter's sexuality. It's fine with her if she has a girlfriend. It's even okay for the girlfriend to stay the night...

as long as no one knows.

No one is to know that her daughter likes girls. It should be hidden away in the closet, like a dark secret that could ruin you.

Her daughter has turned into a secret. It's never talked about. It's always brushed aside.