Someone else posted below but:

Niel wouldn’t have a family as you suggested. Not in the traditional sense. There’s a lot of implication that he’s gay. It’s not only about acting. Neil’s father disapproves of everything about Neil.

Mr. Keating gave Neil the hope that he had agency over his life and happiness.

Neil’s father reinforced the notion that as long as Neil was Neil, he would have none. It wasn’t just about acting.