Mother: Millie (64)

Son: James (28)

Location: Ocean Pine, Maryland 

The Son is Out in Maryland!

Mother Millie believes, “love between a mother and daughter is great but the love between a mother and her gay son is a whole other level.” While James and Millie have always been close, the bond further cemented over the past decade. First, James came out to his mother in high school, and though he had some fears and trepidations around his sexuality, she finished the sentence for him and assured him he would never have to feel uncomfortable or unloved with her. After all, this was the second of her four sons to come out and she says she’s known James was gay since he was in elementary school (whether he knew or not). Millie quickly took to all of her son’s hobbies and interests and embraces them enthusiastically to this day.

Shortly after James came out, his father died, leaving both Millie and James a compact garage full of items that needed to be sold. During this time, James was there for his mother and supported her through all her ups and downs. He stood by her side and helped her manage everything: from the logistics to the emotional upheavals that she went through. This solidified the already strong bond they had, especially since her older three boys were already out of the house.

Then, James moved out… but just for a bit. He relocated back to the city he grew up in building his own connections and community, while calling his mother every day, throughout the day, of course. This went on for about two years and then the pandemic hit and James didn’t want to be without his mother so he moved back home.

Each day begins with Millie waking James up and making him a fresh cup of coffee with the pink Keurig she’s stationed right outside his bedroom. Each night ends with mother and son moisturizing their faces with Preparation H, a signature anti-aging catalyst James and Millie swear by!

Now that her favorite son is home Millie is on top of the world. She thinks nothing of doting on him. Buying him clothing, doing his laundry (including his intimates-which he might have a Jock Strap or two) she will tuck him in at night, and do the cooking. In turn, loving son will do the shopping, help to dress his mother and do her hair and makeup. They are nearly a husband and wife, acting as partners.

Millie helps James with his growing online jewelry business where he customizes and sells vintage pieces to customers nationwide. James runs this business out of their garage and living room and Millie makes sure to tend to him whenever he needs anything.

For Millie, this routine and rapport they’ve built could go on forever but although James loves his mother he wonders if it’s time to start moving on and moving out. He feels conflicted because there are parts of his life that he’s put on hold because he’s always with his mom, but on the other hand he LOVES living with her. His brothers agree. Both Thad, who is also gay, and Alex, who is about six years older than James, feel that it is time James builds a life for himself outside of mom. They both would like to see him in a relationship, something James admits is hard to do while living with his mother.

This bond is evident to everyone, especially Millie’s cousin Adele, who says Millie and James could give any sitcom duo a run for their money, but even she thinks the relationship may have gone too far. James is torn between his love for his mother and the question of flying the nest. If the move happens, it will be incredibly difficult for both, but it might be essential for both of them in order to grow and find their own ways.

The next year will be a telling one for both Millie and James. Whether or not he will move out is still up for debate and if that happens, Millie hopes he move nearby so they can maintain their daily routines.