The latest episode of ABC’s “What Would You Do?” shows how people at a diner react after overhearing a young Asian-American man come out as gay to his Chinese parents.
The family, who are all actors, was having a regular meal at a busy restaurant when Daniel reveals that he is gay. His parents, unfortunately, did not take his coming out well.
“This Chinese family represents a much broader issue within the Asian culture. And many have taken to YouTube to share their experiences,” the narrator says as the episode shows clips from Asian youth sharing their experiences on YouTube.
“It’s just unacceptable!” the mother says after hearing Daniel’s news, “After all we’ve done. After all we’ve sacrificed?”
The couple sitting adjacent to the family’s booth couldn’t believe the parents’ reaction to their son’s coming out that the woman was lost for words and shook her head in disbelief.
She just couldn’t hold back anymore after hearing the mother blurt out “You won’t have a normal life when you’re gay.”
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“Come on,” she says. “You’re embarrassing yourself. That’s what I mean.”
After the exchange, the woman tells the mother, “It’s not about you, lady.”
While the second group of people understands the boy’s point of view, one man’s personal beliefs go against it.
“Well, I believe what the Bible says,” he explains, “Which is that homosexuality is a sin against God.”
The parents then meet an Indian girl, who says, “Like you can’t change stuff like that…”
And when asked if her parents would approve, she replies, “Probably not, but if I was, I would say the same thing, ’cause it’s hard, you can’t change who you are.”
Other diners were vocal about how proud they are of people strong enough to come out to their parents despite their culture telling them otherwise.
“I’m proud of him that he’s even saying it,” one woman says. “You know how many people years ago would never even open their mouth?”
“Look at how many people held that in and they want to commit to suicide because nobody accepted them,” she continues while speaking to the host of the show, John Quiñones.
The last woman really won the hearts of many after she sat down at Daniel’s booth after his parents walked out.
“I’m sorry. I know it’s not my business, but I’m so upset that they’re saying that to you,” she told the devastated young man. “It’s hard for them to understand because it’s not their culture. I just want you to know that it’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with being gay or straight or whatever you feel.”
Images via YouTube / What Would You Do?
