In an interview with CBS Miami, Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen revealed how having a trans son has changed her views on LGBT issues.

Her son, Rodrigo – who started his transition in 2007 – revealed how his transition has been an eye-opening experience for his family and their Republican associates. He said he believes that his mother would have come to support LGBT rights eventually, but that his coming out as transgender did helped open her eyes to in the inequalities faced by the LGBT community.

Ros-Lehtinen gave advice to other parents with LGBT children:

“Don’t freak out, stay calm and don’t be afraid. Love your child because that person is your child whether it’s the person you wanted him or her to be or not. That’s my advice to parents, never, never reject your child. That’s unconditional love no matter what.”

Watch the interview: