Dear Cousin Butchie,

I am writing to you because I am 15+ years old and need the advice of someone like you who is gay and close to my age.  

My parents know that I am gay, but we've never had a big discussion about it. It's kind of like the elephant in the living room. My twin sister is a really good sister, but she's allowed to do something which I am forbidden to do. She is allowed to invite four or five girls to have a sleep over at our house. I have no problem with that, and there was one time when they dared me to let them give me a cosmetic makeup session.  I'll admit that I was surprised at how fabulous I looked.  Pictures were taken, but everyone is sworn not to tell anyone about this. BUT the problem really is that I have asked to have a few of my gay friends have a sleep over, and my parents refused to say anything aside from "no way."  What do you think of this situation. Be brutally honest because I can take it.

Very truly yours,
Scott

Dear Scott,

I can feel your pain! It does seem very unfair on your parents' part, but let's really look at the characters in this drama. Your sister is allowed to have her friends sleep over so they can play games, eat snacks, do their makeup and nails, etc, Scott, what would be likely to happen if you slept in the same room with some of your gay friends? Let's be honest here... There would be some joking around and dishing (the foreplay) but sooner than later, you guys would be having some kind of intimate contact, if you get my drift!  I could be wrong, but I doubt that I am. 

In essence, I think that your parents might be subtly making a decision not to encourage sexual relations under their roof. Many parents feel this way when it's a pairing of a boy and a girl.  

I regret having to agree with your parents, but this time I believe they have a right to call the shots.  

If you don't hate me by now, I also would like to suggest that you try to discuss the large gay part of your life with your parents. The mere fact that they know and don't speak about it will be more of a problem as time goes by. Spare them the crap, but try to explain what Scott's world is all about. Maybe even pick up a book from the library.

If nothing else, Cousin Butchie can say that he has never met a dude named Scott whom he didn't like. You're another one, I hope!