re: My son wants to be a professional dancer

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the selection size of male dancers is so much smaller than athletics.

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Very true, only 1.8% of American men self-identify as gay, and not all of them are good dancers.

Maybe he's just trying to bully some kids?

You need to support your kid. It's great to have a passion, and unlike football, dancing is something that he can take with him past high school. I wouldn't budge on the college thing, though. Dancing is a hobby, not a career path.

The odds of making it as a professional dancer are not very good. I'm not saying it isn't possible, but he needs either college (getting a degree that he can use) or vocational school. He needs a real fall back plan.

Do make the point about it not being a lifelong profession for most people-- injuries and age will get him as surely as they get athletes.

Make sure he has a fall back career in a field friendly to his other interests, like interior design or fashion.

Show support and love.

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steeltiger17

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Serious question.

Is your son gay? If he is, there's not a damn thing you can do about it but accept it and love him because he's your son.

It doesn't mean you've failed as a father. It happens. It's genetic and it's nothing to be ashamed of. I know it's very hard to accept if he is, but level headed people will accept it also and not blame you or your wife. I can imagine it'll be very tough to accept, but eventually his happiness will outweigh your disappointment.

Good luck.

And, why not? Life is too short not to try and do what you love. Support him.