The Tearing of Relatives
A Boy
Paul Washington Jr., who is gay and at the time single, adopted his mentally
challenged sister's son. For ten years Paul and his partner, Timothy
Forrester, raised the son Miguel. On the 6th of October 2000 Miguel went
fishing with his grandfather, Washington Sr. The grandfather had filed for
the removal of his grandson from his uncle. This was all because of a
ballet and gay art class that Miguel was in. It was thought that the uncle
and his partner were influencing Miguel to be gay. His uncle was suppose
to have a hearing considering custody, but the law firm that was involved never
followed through. Washington Sr. and his wife told Paul that Miguel needed
more women around him. Also, that there should not be any affection
between the two men in from of Miguel which would influence him. Paul and
his partner decided not to take it to court. Miguel was allowed to go back
to his uncle and there was temporary custody, but it was later lost and Miguel
was sent to live with his heterosexual relatives in Pennsylvania. Miguel
again was given back to his uncle and the case was taken to court and at the
time of this article it has not been decided.