On October 22, Aaron Gouveia posted a heartbreaking story about his five-year-old son, Sam, who enjoyed painting his nails because he liked the color, only to be shamed and ridiculed by other children at his school. The public response to the thread has been incredibly supportive, with celebrities like former Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett and actress Tara Strong reaching out to offer Sam encouragement. That didn't make it any less surprising to the Gouveias when star Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski sent them a personal video to lift their spirits!
Gronk wants Sam to keep being himself no matter what!
@DaddyFiles Hey Sam, Do what makes you the happiest and keep being yourself. We love the color choice! https://t.co/LFslsmIAUl— New England Patriots (@New England Patriots)1540669904.0
Other celebrities lined up behind the superstar to make sure Sam knew it was okay for anyone to wear nail polish.
Please read this thread. And share. https://t.co/VlxlWnbnuh— Debra Messing (@Debra Messing)1540353424.0
When @tarastrong sends your kids a personalized message and it blows your kids' minds. Seriously look at Will's fac… https://t.co/Tdd1UevGFN— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540344171.0
Twitter did their part to make sure Sam knew the bullies were in the wrong.
We’ve got your back Sam Gouveia @DaddyFiles @PaulPeri9 @fhspantherbook https://t.co/96Q2cmdodL— FHS Theatre (@FHS Theatre)1540559496.0
Our social media producer @cparish7News painted his nails in support of 5y/o Sam Gouveia. Sam thought it would be c… https://t.co/058Q342ogu— Kris Anderson (@Kris Anderson)1540557909.0
Grandson Sam shows his nails to Senator Paul Feeney at the Norton parade. #gosammy #feeneyforsenate https://t.co/ouldmiaEMh— Bill Gouveia (@Bill Gouveia)1540751030.0
@DaddyFiles My nails aren't painted, but I've been picked on for my long hair. You be you, man. Go get 'em! https://t.co/lRwAASrG3N— The Guillotine is my Prayer Language (@The Guillotine is my Prayer Language)1540419004.0
@DaddyFiles This is Charlie and he loves polish! Has been wearing it on his toes for years—that way no one can see… https://t.co/lJaApE2sRZ— Dr Maggie J Watson (@Dr Maggie J Watson)1540586635.0
Here's the thread that's been inspiring so much love and support!
This is my son, Sam. He’s 5. And today he learned how shitty and harmful #ToxicMasculinity is. My rage meter is spi… https://t.co/BnBa0iCpvH— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540253941.0
Sam is my middle child & he’s a terror. A “boy’s boy” as so many (not me) would say. He’s rough and tumble, he’s lo… https://t.co/l4HMJUBDKV— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540253968.0
Sam has a collection of purses because he likes to carry things around. And he also loves to have his nails painted… https://t.co/obPAsAHkF1— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254002.0
So he proudly wore his red nail polish to kindergarten this morning because Sam has absolutely no concept of nail p… https://t.co/09evpoGUlS— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254036.0
But his classmates did have a problem. A big one. Sam was ridiculed for being a boy with nail polish. They called h… https://t.co/wPApNigEs0— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254058.0
When my wife picked him up from school he collapsed into her arms and cried uncontrollably. He was devastated at ho… https://t.co/CoQshmk5KK— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254077.0
He called me at work, his words barely decipherable through the sobs, and I told him nothing those kids say matters… https://t.co/f0BCZzs6yg— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254094.0
“Daddy, I want mommy to take off the nail polish so they don’t make fun of me.”— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254112.0
My son is far from perfect but he’s got a huge heart and empathy for miles. He finds beauty in everything around hi… https://t.co/PttpreMWYL— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254129.0
I know these kids are only in kindergarten but this toxic masculinity bullshit is LEARNED. Learned most of the time… https://t.co/faQREXnS4v— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254148.0
I hope you sleep well tonight knowing order has been at least partially restored and gender norms solidified for on… https://t.co/fqjGMuvWHW— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254163.0
My wife and I spent five years successfully preaching tolerance, acceptance, and the importance of expression and y… https://t.co/4H6ykxjmOS— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254178.0
But I want you to know I talked to Sam and I told him those other kids are just jealous of his nails. I told him to… https://t.co/HRRBg1UiYx— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254198.0
I bet they don’t know. I bet their parents don’t even know. But what I do know is Sam is a goddamn fireworks show o… https://t.co/I4qUTfJA9U— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254214.0
I told Sam he could take off the nail polish if he wanted but lots of guys wear it like Thor (@chrishemsworth) & Ca… https://t.co/AVmpDE9eG0— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254238.0
But more importantly I told him it doesn’t matter what anyone else does because what you wear and how you look shou… https://t.co/OkKrqWtp6h— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254256.0
After careful consideration, he’s leaving it on. Because he likes it and it makes him feel good. Then Sam’s 10-year… https://t.co/7F9BOlnOpS— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254273.0
That moved me to paint MY nails. Sam picked out this color called “Main Squeeze” & I think it’s understated but lov… https://t.co/uUUly4Yhcj— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254300.0
Intolerant parents and their offspring scored a minor victory today but they won’t win the war. I know that because… https://t.co/tibXhsghMi— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254322.0
Be brave and shine bright, my beautiful polished boy. Know that mom and dad always have your back and if the rest o… https://t.co/UC4ac4MidH— Daddy Files (@Daddy Files)1540254380.0
Listen to Rob Gronkowski, Sam, and don't let those bullies get you down!
