Colten's Coming Out Story 

It was a privilege listening to your story Colten. I wish you both lots of happiness, success and accomplishments!

I'm currently in the same situation Colten was. It's extremely helpful to hear someone else's story. It gives me hope. Thank you so much. I enjoy these videos of you two together.

It will be interesting to watch your coming out video. You came out at a much more difficult time. Colten is very happy that his family loves and supports him. It means a ton to him!

I'm touched by the coming-out story, but above all by your love and mutual support. Looking at you, especially at Eric's loving look and his hand stroking Colten, just shows that love is good and knows no limits. If only people around had more sense and sensitivity... Thanks for the great video. May you be happy!

That's great!! I am glad you are putting yourselves out there. You really are helping others just by showing yourself and how "normal" we all are... Hugs to you both!

Thanks Colten for being willing to share such a gripping story. You have an ability to speak from the heart which will improve as you make more videos which in turn will make you an even more effective speaker. I'm so glad your family has grown to accept you both. You're right on target when you said telling someone is such a liberating experience. You are both blessed to be able to find someone to share your lives. Erik your steady encouragement for Colten as he spoke is heartwarming! Thanks!

Such a powerful story. I actually got emotional during parts of your story! Thank you again for being so brave to tell us all your story. I know it will help young gay people. I have watched lots of coming out videos and they all say they did a search for videos like this before coming out to help them get the courage to come out.

Great coming out story. ( A little scary too ! ) I'm so glad that you guys found each other !

Thank you for sharing your story with us! This now the Erik and Colton Channel! We love you Colton! Can't wait for more videos!!!! :)

I change my story again -- it's so cute!! I'm glad things are going well between you, Colton, and his family!

Amazing story Colten! So glad things are working out well.

Eric you are so kind and supporting of Colten. Your reassuring touch on his arm helped him tell a very personal and difficult story. He was so honest! I did tear up a little listening because we all have similar stories to tell. Most importantly you guys have the same ability to show compassion for people who display hate and zero tolerance for gay people. Colten never gave up on his family and won them over with love. Excellent example of love winning out. Thanks guys!

John, we appreciate your support.

Hearing stories like Colten's make me realize just how lucky I have been with coming out to my friends and family. It makes me even more confidant that I can overcome my own obstacles and hopeful that acceptance is slowly becoming the norm. Thanks for sharing your story Colten, and you guys make an absolutely adorable couple.

this was a great vid .. The thing that stood out the most for me was watching your friend Eric, it was amazing to see how he sat there so quietly with his arm around you and gently caressed your shoulder. I was a beautiful gesture of his love and support of you. I'm so glad to hear that your situation turned out so well after such a traumatic start. Somehow the loss of your high school friends seems unimportant. Take care of each other. Best of luck in everything you do. =D

Hey Jim, Colten here. My parents and family are very supportive now. I feel very grateful and lucky. Erik

I feel happy to be able to share my story. It's great a great feeling to share mutual love with another person.

Love anyone that can share their coming out story!

I think it is quite remarkable what you two stand as a symbol of to many people out there. You must know that there are lot of people who look up to you and wish they could find a partner like one of you; I be one of them. I just wanted to thank Colten for his courage to share such a huge part of his life with us. I want you to know that the struggles that you have gone through will make you stronger in the future. Thanks for sharing.

Colten, very courageous of you to share your story. I am so glad you guys are there to support each other. It was so nice to see how supportive Erik was throughout this video just by physical touch and comforting you when you got to very difficult parts of your story. You two have a visibly supportive bond with each other. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Glad to see we have such great guys representing central Minnesota! :) ~Kim

I feel so lucky to hear stories like yours :)

Sometime coming out can be harsh, but at least you have a happy ending. Colten that was a amazing and thanks for sharing your coming out story.

Thanks for sharing, Colten. I was very lucky when I came out, my parents took my coming out better than I did. I was never disowned or left homeless, or alone. I didn't have a single friend disown me or be anything but accepting towards me. Sometimes, I forget how lucky I am.

Colten, loved your telling of your story. I'm glad that after such a tortuous rocky beginning that you and your family probably have even stronger bonds then before. And Eric, the gentle caring manner of your stroking and caressing Colten's shoulder did not go un-noticed. I now see why you both relish cuddling so much. Hooray for you. Hooray for cuddling.

Colton, I appreciate you telling your story. I'm sorry you had to go through those struggles. You found a great guy in Erik and I think Erik found a great guy in you. I'm an older (44) single guy and have to say I admire you both and your relationship. Being in love with someone and them feeling the same way about you is one of the most wonderful things in life. I can't wait to see more videos in the future.

It's great that you are sharing your story. I'm sure it will help some people. The internet and media like RU-vid are wonderful for a community like ours. They allow us to share and communicate. They help eliminate the feelings of loneliness and isolation that use to be part of "coming out".

Great story! It really helped me! Thank for sharing!! You both guys are a lovely couple. I wish you a long future together ;)

Such a sad and anger instilling story. It affects me deeply. What also affects me deeply is the loving way Erik comforts you and cries for you. You're soulmates I can tell. All the best to you guys!

I appreciate that, not only your comment but watching the video twice, shows interest and caring.

Exactly, the way I put it "Their lose not mine" helps a lot

Good catch - he's seems nice and level headed just like you are.

I'm glad you can notice how proud I am of Colten. Because I am extremely proud!

Nevlynn, we are happy to hear that you had a relatively easy time coming out. Great!

Great video. Thanks for sharing your story.

Thank you Sarah!

Hope you guys are doing well. Would love to see another video from you; VERY uplifting!

I am very happy to share the story. I hope it does help people! Thank you so much for suggesting the topic!

i started to come out to my friends about three weeks ago, two day's ago i was at Belfast pride, and today i watched this video, all of this has changed me, i've been feeling low for the last two years and i've never felt as good as i do now, i'm 15 and i know who i am, after watching this video i've decided to come out to my parents next month, i'm gonna buy them a cake and write "i'm gay" on, i know them and they'll be ok with it, i'm not scared and i'm ready, you two are inspirational

It is nice to hear from you again. Yes, I always think there is hope and certainly the possibility that someone's atttudes and opinions can change. I certainly hope his mom does chang her opinion.

Colten - you and Erik are two strong guys who have overcome a lot of crap already in your lives and have got yourselves to a good place and opened the door to an awesome future - including having a family of your own if you want it.

Thanks bud, thats a beautiful comment. we look forward to hearing from you on future videos. Colten.

So happy for the both of you!

That was great I understand that well hope to be blessed like you two are!

Colten, I'm so sorry that you had to go through such cruel hate from your own family. You and Erik will always have support from all of us.. The most important thing is, you guys have each other and nothing else really matters..

Great video. This will definitely help someone.

Yes, we both are very lucky to have each other. Good luck to you. Colten.

Your absolutely right, we have fought through life and we are proud of ourselves, but its time to use this practice and information to help others with their situations to the best of our ability. Thank you for watching and stick with us for our future videos. Colten.

Omg I cried listening to this.I'm so glad everything turned out so well.

It's been two years and my dad still won't talk to me so I'm glad your dad came around relativly quickly. Makes me happy :))

Colton I just watched your story again. You are a remarkable person! You are extremely cute and such a good and strong person. I know someone will find your video and gain strength from it.

Erik here, great to hear from you again. You used to often comment on my videos. Colten will really appreciate your comment when he gets home and reads it!

Great coming out story... I know it will help people that have an issue with coming out.

I'm glad I told the story!

I had that same problem with my coming out after 12 years of hiding. When I told my longtime friends, family, and the people I worked with in the fire department the only people that supports me now is my dad and mom

Hey guys, I just watched both of the videos with Colten in it. To Colten: I can definitely see a bigger smile on Erik's face when he's with you. I am so happy for the both of you. Some parents will surprise you and do that kind of turn around and unfortunately some people will stab you in the back like what happened to you in high school and college. But now Colten, you have Erik and Erik has you. What more could you ask for than the love and support that you get from one another. +cuddles

you 2 are an absolutely adorable couple. True love only comes once in a life time and you two have found it......I wish you both many years of happiness and love your videos

What an amazing story Colton, You are strong and a very cute couple! Congrats to you for putting your story out here to help others. I'm sure it was not a choice, know That's not what you meant. Hope You both have an amazing life together.

That's a remarkable story. Thank you for sharing it, Colten. It's in the outworking of situations like these wherein you find who your real friends are. My family is very anti-gay. I couldn't even begin to tell you all about that. I'm only out to two of them, but I can't tell the others. When and if they find out, I will go through a similar hell as you have. Only, I don't think there will be any reconciliation. I am just glad that it worked out for you.

We appreciate your support!

Thanks for doing this!! I plan on making a coming out video at some point but my experience sorta mirrors Colton's. My folks were also divorced and my Mom was deeply religious Catholic. I was also thrown out at 17, difference being that I couldn't go back and ended up moving across the country to live with my Dad who was much more accepting. My Mom, on the other hand, has never been able to get over it even after many years.

I'm glad you liked it. Colten.

Thank you for the great comment. I am lucky to have Erik's support. Colten

I was the one or one of the ones that suggested this. So, I'm really thrilled to see this great vid. Your family went through in a few months what took my family about 10 years. In any case, I'm sure that the workmates will find out and the ones at college too. But they might surprise you in their reaction. I hope so. Also, tetheeman20 and Rabbitfish 63 have great comments. My addition: there are gay guys in your HS, college, & maybe work. But they're just where you were years ago.

fantastic amazing story and YES tell everyone because they need to know!! well they ones whom you love, like, desire, respect....

I am happy to see you two together. I have seen some of your earlier vids, glad I ran across this one. Best wishes to you both. You look good together. :D

Thank you for sharing your story. I can't believe all your friends in high school just abandoned you. I thought young people were getting more accepting of gay people. I am glad your family has accepted you. I hope they do more research and talk to you more and realize it is not a choice or something you just get confused about because you are young. You have a natural need for connection and love with other people. I am glad you have found that with Erik.

We are so glad we found each other, too.

Thank you!

Cute Colten! You're so cute and loving! Erik, you're a lucky guy!!! Congratulations to you both. I loved the story. Very touching. Your family is also lucky to have you, Colten. And it's great that things have turned out good for you both guys. And it's also great that you share this with ohers. Good job. Great guys you are. And a great family you all are.

very inspirational thanks for sharing :)

Hooray for cuddling! We are both very fortunate and grateful that both of our families are very supportive of us now. I do things with Erik's family and Erik does things with mine.

Michael, we are also glad you ran across this one. I hope my coming out story can help others! Colten

Thank you very much I am glad you like it - Colten I think it is very important to be open and honest when making videos. It's the best way to connect with people. and a great way to make an important and positive difference in the lives of others. - Erik

Thank you for sharing your story. Not all coming out stories go so well but I'm glad to hear that you and you're family are closer now. Not sure if you really meant to say "choice", though. Being gay or having an attraction towards the same-sex is not a choice. It is how the individual is born. However, it is a choice to deny who they are (being gay) and pursuing someone of the opposite sex.

Erik means a lot to me. I am very happy I am now much closer with my family! Colten

That was a great story. It often doesn't go well as we hope. I am happy your family has come around. Best way to cure a homophob is to know someone who is gay they know. Colton is a strong person. You have a large family. Is Colton the youngest? And I have to say Eric's hand on Colton's shoulder just warmed my heart. Forget high school and embrace the future. Best advice: get help. Thanks for sharing I am sure you have helped others.

great story. thanks. my partner and i have been together for 16 years now. coming out to my family was nerve racking. but they were and are great.

thanks for sharing that for some of us it was very hard for to come out

Sorry to hear that!

An amazing story thanks for sharing it with us. Be strong you have a cute boyfriend too.

I am so glad you liked the video. Colten.

I love Colten! He is a sweet, caring guy. Very responsible and hard working. He is at the top in his schooling. He is handsome and strong. He is very impressive!

Omg I ik stuck at the airport andni was like. I remember there was a ling video I have been wanting to watch for a long time. Well it turned out to be so good. Thanks for sharing ur experience. Its awesome to know that sometimes we feel like we r alone figting these things when there are so many people struggling. Thanks again

Yes, you have been an excellent and supportive fan. I have really appreciated all of your comments over the years! - Erik I'm very glad to meet you. I am happy you like my coming out story. - Colten

That was a great story, good thing you told it. In retrospect my coming out story was nothing compared to yours. I'm not out to many people mostly because of cultural stuff. Take care!

The difficult times made us stronger!

Thanks for noticing my smile, this youtube flick thingy has made me very happy and proud of myself. I thank you for watching. Means a lot from you and everyone. Erik is my life, I love him dearly, Erik was the best thing thats ever happened, and thinking about it I really dont care about loosing those people who say they where my friends. I have Erik, he wraps around and makes me feel special, and believe me he has magic arms:) Stay posted for future videos.

Being from Minnesota, I can hear a trace of Minnesota Accent in both your voices. That's cool. As far as coming out, there are people who are close to you who need to know, and there are a whole lot more people for whom it is none of their business. You are not required to announce it to everyone you meet.

He is. He will be happy to read your comment. Thanks!

Yes, we live in St. Cloud. Colten will respond to you soon. You have matured considerably since over the past 2.5 years that you have been watchng my videos. I am very happy that you continue to watch my videos. I always enjoy hearing updates about your life.

Awesome!

Aweeeeee. Such a cute story. So happy for you guys!! I'm dreading the day when my family finds out... I don't care if anyone else knows though, haha.

i love your coming out story colten!

I'm glad you liked the video. Colten

We are very grateful to have each other. I appreciate your support. I am now closer with my family than I was before. Like I said, coming out was one of the best things to happen to me! - Colten Although Colten's family initially reacted with surprise and disgust they have all treated me wonderfully. I especially enjoy spending time with his mom. His dad, one of his brothers, and one of his sisters have also had me over for dinner and treated wonderfully. - Erik

In this day and age, it's amazing people still have issues with being gay: family, friends, or others. It's such a normal way to be.

Thank you, I was very excited to share my video, I want to help people out with this video.

Colten, "friends" who don't accept you the way you are, are not friends. You both can find decent people around where you live, and should. You guys are awesome!

Congratulations!

I have been a huge fan of Eric's from the beginning. Give me props Eric. Lol. Now I'm a fan of you guys. Great story. There are great things in store for you guys. Great!