It's amazing (and unfortunate) how here in the States, for as large and diverse of a country we happen to be, so many people are often incredibly close-minded and unwilling to look positively upon something out of their version of "normal". Apparently this viewpoint exists in other countries as well (as staticsan's original post shows) and I'm always surprised to see or hear about it happening.

I've never been one for conformity (which is funny considering my career choices) and have always applauded those who choose to be "themselves", barring conventional views.

It's doubly upsetting when it's family; however, being that they are family, I'd think they'd come to accept it in time.