A story of a father’s love for his gay son in Australia is warming our hearts.
Geoff Thomas is a retired plumber and Vietnam veteran who was raised to be homophobic — that is until his son came out as gay to him 12 years ago.
Thomas told Buzzfeed about the process of changing his homophobic thinking: “I was conditioned to be homophobic, and then one day my son comes out to me.”
“I had to ask myself the question – what is it about gays that I didn’t like? After that, I decided it was unfounded fear, ignorance and prejudice. Then I came to the view that my son wasn’t equal in law and that really got up my nose, so I became a very strong advocate for marriage equality.”
Thomas has recently decorated his car with marriage equality stickers, including one in honor of PFLAG (Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). There’s also a message that reads, “Every man and his dog supports marriage equality,” a request for people to call their MP and Senator, and a picture of Geoff and his do.
Though this awesome Aussie dad generally just drives his car around town, he wanted to do a bit more for the fight for marriage equality in Australia and for his son. So he decided to take a road trip and has met an awesome number of supporters, which he documents on Twitter.
“In the 12 years I’ve been advocating for [marriage equality],” Thomas said, “I’m yet to hear a reasonable argument against it.” We agree, dad.
Check out some of the awesome pictures from this supportive dad’s Twitter:
#EqualityUte These Veterans agree that all Australians are entitled to the same dignity respect and equality in law pic.twitter.com/xJFgO3HWWy
— Geoff Thomas (@Geofftheplumber) April 25, 2017
#EqualityUte big thank you for all who attended today at Albury Esp Toni +Carolyn, Amanda+Geoff, Glen, Father Peter pic.twitter.com/7AMrIYvYWD
— Geoff Thomas (@Geofftheplumber) April 23, 2017
#EqualityUte My brother and sister cheering for my sons right to marry at Ringwood Vic pic.twitter.com/vCg638OyKb
— Geoff Thomas (@Geofftheplumber) April 24, 2017
#EqualityUte the happiest taxi driver you could ever meet and a champion of Marriage Equality pic.twitter.com/ia9U52HZl0
— Geoff Thomas (@Geofftheplumber) April 24, 2017