RICHMOND, Va. — Beth and Jerry Carter admit they made mistakes and have regrets after their child, Gray, came out as non-binary.
“Our journey has been one of a roller coaster ride being a parent of a child in the LGBTQ+ community,” Beth recalled. “Gray went to this Christian counselor and it was probably one of the worst decisions that we made, because in every sense, it was conversion therapy.”
Learning about the LGBTQ+ community was a new experience for the Chesterfield parents.
Gray soon gave their father an ultimatum, which Jerry called a major turning point in his life.
“My child gave me an option one day, several years back, and the light bulb went on my head. Gray told me that I want you in my life, but if you don’t want to accept me for the person I am, I’m going to live my life,” Jerry explained.
Opening their hearts allowed them to enter a new world.
Beth and Jerry volunteered at their first Virginia Pridefest in 2017 on Brown’s Island and gave out dad and mom hugs.
They recalled hugging strangers who broke out in tears.