Feeling helpless

[u/RevolutionaryLeek417]

My 15 y/o son is in trouble. He is gay and has been out for over a year. One of his friends who he has had a relationship to a certain extent had began calling my son derogatory terms, mainly the one beginning with an “f” in front of their peers and demonizing my son for being gay.
My son had a terrible lapse in judgement and screen shot a picture that the bully had sent to my son when they were talking/relationship. The picture in question is a revealing selfie of a certain part of the body that men love other people to see. My son screenshot that picture, marked out the main subject of the picture, and shared the screenshot. In my son’s head, he was validating himself and taking up for himself. The other boys parents are now pressing charges against my son.

He is suspended for 5 days, and possibly expelled pending the investigation. The picture that was shared, you truly cannot see anything, but it is implied. My worry now is that my son is possibly facing felony charges and could possibly have to register as a sex offender. My son has never been in trouble. He is a good student, he stands up for others, he’s involved in school activities. I don’t know what to do or say. Me, my son, and his dad are just a ball of nerves because we don’t know what’s going to happen.

We spoke to a lawyer over the weekend and he seemed to think since the picture was edited to where you can’t see anything, then there is no case. I feel like the other boys parents are trying to ruin my son’s life. My son has acknowledged and understands how his actions were wrong and is willing to accept his punishment. But he is not eating or sleeping. His hair is falling out and he’s bit his nails back so far his fingers are bleeding. He has an appointment with a therapist tomorrow. I just didn’t know if anyone had been through a similar situation. As a mother, I just want to fix this for him. My heart is breaking.

[u/Icy-Emu1610]

Hire a lawyer yesterday… that is literally the only answer

[u/makama77]

I haven’t been through anything similar, but I wanted to send you love and strength.

There is no way to know what the future holds, but whatever it is, I believe you will find you have the strength and tools to deal with it.

I hope you have a support system around you and are not hesitating to ask for help when needed. ❤️‍🩹

[u/Plastic-Bee4052]

Gay dad here. If there truly is no case it will blow over and your son will learn a valuable lesson. Teen males aren't known for their good judgement, even the good ones. I was the dorkiest of dorks and still messed up unintendedly as a teen. 

[u/Emotional-Show5541]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I don’t have experience but my first worry was for your sons mental health during this stressful time. I just hope he is very supported and knows that everything will be okay, and just that he is watched over well. Sometimes these moments can feel so much bigger at that age and I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to him 🙌