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When this bride's homophobic dad ditched her wedding, her two brothers stepped up
Having unsupportive family is always a drag. Luckily for one queer bride, her brothers were there for her on her big day!
A same-sex couple’s video highlighting the way family members stepped up on their special day is grabbing TikTok’s attention.
Having unsupportive immediate family can add wild amounts of stress to a wedding, and that’s something that still comes up too frequently among LGBTQ+ couples. Tessa Chavez and Cyn Wang experienced this firsthand when most of Chavez’s paternal family declined to attend their wedding in Mexico City — including her father.
“My father-in-law is very religious, and he did not attend our wedding. My wife was devastated, but she tried not to show it,” Wang wrote over a TikTok that’s been viewed over 2.2 million times since it was posted in February.
In addition to being a dark cloud hanging over an otherwise celebratory occasion, Chavez’s father’s absence provided a specific challenge in that she wouldn’t be able to do the traditional father-daughter dance at her wedding.
So, her brothers stepped in.
The TikTok showcases bother Chavez’s older brother, Guillermo, and younger brother/best friend, Diego, dancing with their sister to “Sueños” by Diego Torres at the reception in front of all their guests.
@cynandtessa When my father-in-law decided not to attend our wedding, our siblings stepped up 💜 #cuñados #lesbianwedding #queerwedding #wlw #mexicanwedding
It’s a moment that clearly meant a lot to the brides, but also resonated with strangers on social media.
“I have truly learned that it is their loss,” wrote @amazonbailey32. “The ones that step up and fill that spot are the real MVPs!”
“Having a daughter is a PRECIOUS gift. I’ll never understand a parent who wouldn’t attend their daughter’s wedding,” @janejanethisisjane chimed in, while @poppiwinkle wrote, “It’s a shame her dad missed such absolute love and joy.”
Wang told People that her wife’s two sisters and her mother also attended the wedding, flying in from multiple countries to show up for their special day. And as upsetting as Chavez’s father’s absence was, they’re still holding out for the possibility that something will change as time goes on.
"It is very clear that Tessa’s dad has a belief system that does not approve of our sexual orientation and relationship,” Wang said. “We hope one day he will find it in his heart to rebuild a relationship with us."
Rachel Kiley is presumably a writer and definitely not a terminator. She can usually be found crying over queerbaiting in the Pitch Perfect franchise or on Twitter, if not both.
Rachel Kiley is presumably a writer and definitely not a terminator. She can usually be found crying over queerbaiting in the Pitch Perfect franchise or on Twitter, if not both.
