His mom was so proud. But later on, Joey got to be a pest. We understood only enough to realize that Joey was different. He was often the butt of our cruel jokes. Black children have black parents.
Asian kids have Asian parents.
Gay children are alone, frightened and confused. But Joey's stars on his papers got our attention, so stars became an important symbol in his life. Thinking back, I feel ashamed for us all, and I'd like to tell him. Unfortunately, his dad got transferred and the family moved away. I'd like to tell him I regret the demands society places on those who are not born into its rigid conformities.