AFFECT05: Interview with Madam Vee Lay, mother of a Gay Son

on 25 March 2005

Madam Vee Lay, is a mother in her mid-forties who has a gay son. Her son is in his mid-twenties. One day her son found out about Safehaven through the web and informed his mother. Madam Vee Lay, brought her son to a Safehaven gathering to just check us out with her son. She has since been a strong encouragement to us doing little yet big things for us like cooking fried rice for us from time to time despite her busy schedule as a full time employee and active volunteer in various charities. Madam Vee Lay attends a Methodist church.

What are your thoughts about the charity Action for Aids?

All the while we have been supporting Action for Aids. My family had donated over $40k to AFA in the past. My son and I have also been to AFA office at Kelantan Lane to volunteer. They were giving away condoms, so my son and I went to help do the folders and flyers.

Would you encourage your son to go for the concert?

Yes, we have already bought tickets! The concert reminds him that you have to take precautions about the disease and live responsibly.

The MDA informed us that someone wrote in to complain. What are your thoughts about the person who complained?

Recently there seem to be a lot of fear about young people turning gay if they see too many gays. If a child is born gay, he will be gay. There is nothing to do with external influence. No matter how you try to stop him he will still turn gay. You can't force him. These people who complain don't know what they are talking about.

Does the complain have any impact on you, and your son?

The person who complain is selfish because the person is not thinking of people like me whose children are gay. He is not thinking of others. He didn't think that this concert will create awareness to gays, and even straight people and help people like my son. I just feel that it's very unfair.