GREAT SEXPECTATIONS: Our son has just told us he is same-sex attracted, and his dad is horrified

In our fortnightly column ‘Great Sexpectations’ we answer your questions on sex, faith and intimacy. Drop us an email on womanalive@premier.org.uk and ask us anything. Here, Rhiannon Goulding answers a mother wanting to know how to support her son.

Dear Woman Alive,

Our son is eleven and has just told us that he thinks he is same sex attracted and that he doesn’t want to go to church anymore. My husband didn’t say anything when he told us, but he looked angry, and I was worried about what he would do or say. He hasn’t done anything since then, but he has refused to talk about it with me. I want our son to know that he is still loved and cherished, but I honestly don’t know how to address this. We’ve always believed that same-sex attraction is not God’s way, and a sin, but now that it’s my child I just feel so confused.