Wow, I am so amazed that your father said "I finally feel like I have a son" after you came out to him. I'm glad that you two were able to share such an experience like that with each other.
73 y/o gay man. Your video is inspiring. Wish I had the benefit of watching it when I was 16. It would have made life easier. But it was a different time .... 60 years ago. I admire you and your family and friends.
All the power in the world to you man. I was in the same position. It was horrible and it nearly ruined my childhood. I'm happy for everyone that doesn't have to go through what I did.
Your video was really encouraging. My family is also religious, and I found that my being gay didn't go down well with them at all. 2 years later, they still hate it. You are very blessed to have a family who can accept you for who you are :) Very blessed indeed
I just cry a lot and feel really sad because I see people that have a supportive family that accepts them for who they are and they don't have to run away to be themselves and they can just go on with their life, and I'll never be able to have that... :'(
If you feel strongly about them responding negatively, I would wait to tell them until you are independent. I cannot imagine what you are going through but know that someday they will know the real you. No matter how they react, respond with continually loving them. This will let them see that you haven't changed and have always been the same person that they've come to love.
I'm Gay and Catholic too, Grant. I'm still trying to figure it all out. I Came Out to my Catholic parents too. Momma already knew and she told my dad 3 months before I Came Out to them. They love me no matter what; I'm their son.
What an awesome response from your father. Love makes *all* the difference and determines whether this process (coming out) is a positive thing or an absolute tragedy.
Yours is a great story for young, gay Christians to hear. I am putting this on my "Coming Out As Gay" RU-vid Playlist. I am glad that so many people have seen your story, and I hope that many of them are either experiencing what you have done or have kin who are experiencing it. The change in your sister's attitudes toward others just shows that Harvey Milk was so right about the impact that one's coming out can have on other people.
Grant, you have many people who love you and we would love hear an update about how your life has been since you shared your beautiful coming out story.Please Grant have mercy on your many fans and speak with us!
I'm happy for ya! I think you handled the whole situation rather smoothly and it seems to have worked out. I support the cause and all that kinda stuff.
My son came out to me and he cried so hard before we talked I said "my love (that's what I always called him) what is wrong? He said Dad I got something to tell you, I said what can be so wrong that you're crying this hard? He said daddy I'm gay, I said so what's the bad news? He said crying and laughing at the same time that's the bad news!!?? I said just make sure he is worthy of your love!!! He hugged me, then. I cried because he had this burden of his shoulder!!! Now My husband and I are planning his wedding, we both love his other half!!! I hope his mother will come she is not happy with me cause I came out to her and she just packed and left!!! Oh well!! The young man in the video should be a motivation speaker to other young gay teens!!!!! Thanks for reading my story!!!! Everybody stay PROUD AND HAPPY!!!!
Praise the Lord for your sharing your experiences. You’re very brave. Just be happy and positive. Remember to be yourself and ignore the ignorance of others judging you. Their negativity is THEIRS and its up to you to avoid them, at all costs!!! (My mom is Catholic and my dad is Jewish.). None of us have it easy to “come out”. God’s blessings and many positive vibes to you. Have a great life, young man!!!
@@granttwilliam Hope you are still doing well now, this video has helped a lot of people, you are amazing. Maybe you could come back sometime and do a new update video
Dads are underestimated. How often haven't we heard that in real life dads are more accepting than mothers? My dad stood behind me and supported me ever since he found out, when I was 20 years old. My relationship with my dad was never bad, but it grew so much stronger after I came out to him. He actually became a much greater dad in general after I came out. My mother freaked out. My parents were very active Lutheran protestant chuch people. I was in the Royal Garde at that time and not living at home, so she was all in his hands. It took him four years to turn her around, but she came out wonderfully. I was 33 when my dad died and 36 when my mother died. I miss them very much. I wish they had lived to meet my partner/husband, with whom I have been together with for 21 years now. They would have loved him unconditionally and it would have been mutual.
Thank you so much for posting this! I am on the brink of coming out to my dad and this made me cry like halfway through! I am so happy that it worked out for you. Just like you I was raised Catholic- so I think it is going to be difficult. I don't think it will surprise my dad- but I'm not sure. Thanks for posting- this has inspired me.
Grant, you gave one of the most heartfelt stories I have seen on youtube. You are a wonderful young man, who is no different from the wonderful young man you were before your family knew you were gay. Your eyes and words show the pain you have suffered, even some from yourself. You are a beautiful young man with a wonderful heart and I wish you the very best in the future. Somehow, I know you will have a great future. You are loving, humble and truthful. God still loves you as always!
Wow-- my situation is almost the same as yours. My dad is actually a pastor, but when I came out to him he actually took it really well. And I came out the same day you posted your video, Lol.
I am a couple years older than you and i have to say that my story is about the same as yours. Unfortunately I have not been able to tell my parents due to them constantly expressing how much they hate gays and how they think it is disgusting and wrong. So I must wait to be out on my own.Your story really touched me because I am too religious as are my parents and I used to do the same thing and look at the stars and think the same thoughts. Thank you for sharing and giving people like me hope.
My family is Catholic but we are loving and not judgmental. We have Catholic gay couples in our family. My cousin came out to his parents (my uncle and aunt) about 12 years ago. But he still hasn't accepted himself as much as we have. As I am writing this I am tearing up. Our whole family has been trying reach out without actually making him feel overwhelmed. His mother has saved him twice from attempt suicide . Once we even lost him and were calling family to family trying to find him. His father (my uncle ) has cancer now. And its taking a tole on him. Im just venting because Idk who to talk to. I always worry about him. We don't know what to do anymore. He's in therapy and is on medication. We have done so much to try to help. Our Catholic family believes that God creates you the way that he knows is perfect. Being gay is part of that. I wish he could see how that he isnt that different then the rest of us. And he isnt loved any less. He is still masculine, and his sexuality doesnt change that. But I feel like he doesnt see that. We constantly remind him how much he is loved in our family. But I don't feel like that matters to him anymore. It hurts me. Im constantly scared that one day Id loose him. I wish he would look and see how happy our uncles and cousins are, that have accepted themselves and are married and living with their husbands.
My life hasn't been probably what you think it has... I have gone through a few health struggles that have held me back the last 5 years (don't worry, they don't involve STDs or drug addiction). But, mentally, I feel I am starting to come out on the other side of it. At times, I feel like life throws us too many boulders. But we just have to keep doing our best to push through it. (:
@@granttwilliam my life seemed very calm when I was 12, but God let me know that by the time I would be in my early 20’s that my life would begin to be very stressful and chaotic. So I just kept going to church, praying and just enjoying the temporary calmness. By the time I was 24 the chaos in my mind began, but I also had accompanying angels helping and giving me strength. My parents taught me very well to persevere (to just keep trying the best that I can) so I just kept enduring my difficulties. Over the next 50 years I’ve had only 4 respites from my difficulties (2 resulting from legal medicines and 2 resulting from miracles). Those respites sometimes lasted a few years, some lasted but several weeks but all were a gift from God to bolster my strength to continue enduring. I’ve also helped others by showing them how to endure and keep trying through very difficult times. In the end God’s love for us will prevail if you trust in Him and just keep loving Him and others. Just keep being honest with yourself and your loved ones, and seek help from others when it’s really needed.
Grant, I recognize you as a great person. I was a very religious person. I now recognize that the church indoctrinated me. I am very sympathetic for those people who are of the church. Yet, through the help of you, and perhaps rather natural inhalents, I have realized that you cannot change the fact of how you are. I am gay, I hold to Christian morals mostly, being that your story is so similar to mine, I declare you as a great example. I honor you. My name is Rudy by the way. I say that you are someone I look to as a reference. I grew up in the South. I have been through a lot. I'm thankful that you made this video. God bless!
Hey Grant..many many Kilometres away in Australia I share the ache … but have been doing so for much longer. My generation did not approach parents with anything deep and personal, so I suffered and lived with guilt and self hate for decades. My family on both sides are religious but, thankfully, more Christian than religious. I married (sincerely) and had 3 kids, but had to sit on my real self very hard. My wife and I split and I brought up the kids. Then, it all came out by accidental discovery of phone messages. The most understanding were my sisters and Mum. My brothers/ nephews and some close friends were not. I am a Christian and I know fully that God loves me. So many strange happenings have told me this. But, I am also a teacher and in the Defence Force so I have to continue to hide inside in these aspects of my life. Having a partner to love and cherish is out of the question. Your story comes from a beautiful heart and you are not any kind of accidental birth. God's love is unconditional - he says so. Unfortunately there are those who think that they know more than God does and judge others through hate and bigotry. God gave me an extraordinary depth of caring for everyone and that has absorbed my life and given me much joy. My sexuality is not important in comparison. Know that you are much loved, Grant.
You have me speechless. The amount of strength you have is unreal. It was shown through all those years of heartache. I hope you eventually have peace with those who turned you down in the beginning. My heart goes out! xx
You are a beautiful person in every sense of the word. There aren't enough words to express how happy I am for your relationship with your dad; I think I love that man. What a truly wonderful way to tell your son you love him!! Congratulations to you both for opening up to each other. I wish you both a long and love-filled life. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. I'm sure that, through you, your dad has saved many lives. Love you both!
Awesome! Very happy for you. My parents were very religious also and my mom had said some horrible things about gays, which made it very hard for me to be me and come out. And it was not good when I did. But am happy for those whom their parents accept. Very happy for you.
Always remember that being gay isn't wrong at all, if god didn't want people to be gay he wouldn't let 'gay' be created if that makes sense god allows people to be gay he created it in a way so he would never hate you or any one else that's gay, I'm not gay or anything like that I just have a strong opinion that there's nothing wrong with it :) xxxxx
Thank you for that sincere talk. I can relate to this exactly. God bless you and I am convinced that you are loved by Him as much as any of the others of us believers.
Hi Grant, great video, so pleased for you that your family accept you. There are so many in the Catholic Church who judge, they make life hell for others. Be true to yourself Bro and those Catholics who know and love you will accept you if they don't then it is their problem not yours. God bless you x
Hello Grant. Thank you for your story. As a 60 year old gay man who didn't come out until I was 38, I can tell you that it is better to come out when you are younger. I struggle with my internalized homophobia still 22 years later. I don't hate myself as much as I use to, but there are times when the self-loathing raises its ugly head. I started mental health therapy when I was 57, and it has helped immensely. I strongly urge you, and everyone else, gay or straight and everything in between to find a therapist that works for you and talk with them. I started out at twice a week and now on an "as needed" basis. I wish you happiness in your life.
This is like my favorite video on the web, I am in tears about your story!! As weird as it is I had to "come out" as Catholic to my atheist/agnostic parents, and I have a friend who has two moms, and she's not religious cause she thinks religion "doesn't want [her] parents to be happy." Your dad should be a saint...!!! I have a question... what do you plan on doing about it? Do you have a boyfriend? What is your stance on gay marriage? I need help convincing people that "the Church isn't that bad"!!!!! Your story is so inspirational, God bless you
I come from a long line of Italian Catholics. I lived my life to make everyone else happy. I couldn't take it any more and just came out! A bigger bunch of hypocrites would be hard to find. I am the same person I was before coming out but no one except one family member saw that. The one family member, a first cousin is a CATHOLIC NUN! In her words "God made all his children in his image and the ones who damn you will be the first to be judged by him." AMEN!
You did the right thing by coming out. At the same time of my life, I didn't, and over the years it almost self destructed me. The fear, anger and self hate turned into self destructive behaviours and in the end I came out, but like you said, "IT could have been so much better". I'm glad to see it worked out so good for you! Your amazing.
Bless you and i hope all is well with you. This is 2020 and your Your love and compassion for others shown by making this video is still so meaningfull.
I crushed on a boy in second grade. In fourth grade I was gravely ill and when I survived I became very religious (Catholic). My father had prayed that he would go back to Mass if I recovered. I did, he did. I told my mom, dad and two of my sisters at 16. I heard no word from Dad. Mom made a visit for me to see a psychiatrist. Younger sister said “I hope not” .that was it. But I was a very religious Catholic, molested at 13, suffered from that to this day. Went to seminary, left, acted out, then eventually after.5 years of that I had religious experiences and was on a seesaw for years: acting out promiscuously, confession, REPEAT AD NAUSEUM and I mean ad nauseum. Married a wonderful woman, 4 children, after 20 years divorced; eldest son died, years later my ex died, a few years later my youngest son died. 3 dear people. Today I have my two daughters, one with 4 the other with 7 grand-children. It’s not a simple story. A lot of trials and tribulations not just for me but for the wife/mother and children. I can not regret my children and 11 grandchildren and all their posterity, God willing, which will ensue. I’m still on the seesaw: God vs. my memory of lustful promiscuity. Can’t act out anymore. I don’t know if you will read this but you are lovable and I love you. God bless.
I totally agree with needing to rehearse saying the words "I'm gay", cos that was the hardest thing. I still find it difficult to say tbh, and I've been out for over 2 years
10 лет назад
"Jesus can change gays into heterosexuals" proclaimed the ex-gay ministries for 40 years, but this year leaders with the official records admitted nobody had changed from homosexual to heterosexual. Both Exodus International and Love in Action apologized to gays and shut down.
Hey Grant, thanks so much for posting this video. I am in similar situation and come from very Catholic family as well. You have made more progress than me so I appreciate the encouragement. This is such a hard thing to do. I am very glad things worked out so well for you. By the way, you have hot arms :-). (Just had to say that.)
Wow. I was 23 and I don't live in the bible belt and my parents aren't religious. I kind of regret that it took me so long, so congrats on your bravery. Wish you all the best.
Fortunately there have been many Biblical scholars that have studied the Bible, the times, languages and translations that have explained what was actually meant in the scriptures, what was lost or changed in translations etc. It is all available with a mere google of "Christianity and Homosexuality". It has been very helpful to many gay people who grew up in the church believing they were damned to hell. You are a very brave and obviously good-hearted young man.
You amazingly sweet, articulate, and (wow) handsome guy: it is now five years later, and I hope everything has gotten much easier for you now that you're in adulthood. High School was not kind to me, so I feel like if you made it through that, your gonna do great. Thanks for sharing your story.
When I came out, my dad admitted that when he was in the service he did it with a guy one night said it was ok but it wasn't what he wanted but he could understand if it was what I wanted. He'll never know just what that meant to me. I did it with a girl one night it was ok but it's not what wanted.
The fact that I’m watching this video in 2018 and im a completely open book now is crazy because when this video was posted I was 12 just coming to terms with myself shit is so weird to think about where I was and what I was thinking in this time period when he posted this
You are not alone & know that it takes more than courage to come out & tell everybody your secrets about yourself. I am proud of what you have done & have accomplished. Keep your chin up, little bros! God is with you surely & someone special will come your way & fill your needs. I know this to be true, cause you are intelligent, manly, honest, caring, funny & your holy spirit shines so brightly. But most of all, your are gorgeous inside & even more on the outside. God will not abandon you !
Good to hear your story, and that you feel better! :) Coming out is a big relief from the depression, paranoia, repression, and self-hatred you describe (I remember it all too). When you stop hiding a big part of yourself, at least with those you're close with and loving, it can only get better. As a fellow young, gay Catholic, though, I want to say that part of the problem in our situation is confusing "being gay" with the *physical acts* that are condemned by the Church. Nobody goes to Hell for their sexual orientation (attractions). What matters is our behaviour and chastity (which we do have a choice about). And if we happen to fall while trying our best to live the way God asks us to live, there is always Confession (such a precious gift!). Just looking out for a fellow gay brother in Christ, and hoping you stay with the Church and her teachings. If you ever wanna talk more, message me. Prayers, and God bless you!
Thank you for sharing your story. I'm positive it will help other's! I wish you the very best and always talk with someone if you are feeling down or depressed. You have a lot to offer and you do make a huge difference in the lives you touch.
My god father was the same way, and wow, you are, just amazing. I wish I had as strong as faith as you. Don't let anyone bring you down, you rock! Any advice, you seem so strong with your faith, I feel like I'm losing faith, I want to stay strong, what can I do?
Our God has not, nor will he ever, make mistakes. He is all knowing and all seeing. HE MADE YOU AND YOU ARE NOT A MISTAKE. He made you in his image and I am so glad you are no longer ashamed of who he made in you! I am a christian mom as well and I believe in Him with all my heart. God bless you baby.
I never had friends in high school, you and I have a lot in common. I never got invited to parties, I always sit at the lunch table by myself and I struggle a lot. I cried a lot but try to keep up, I wish I was there for you we would been really goof friends, please take care!
Hey Grant, that was such a heartfelt video about coming out. You are an inspiration to more young gays than you know. Thanks for doing such a wonderful video and sharing such a personal life story with others. I am sure that are a fine young man and you will have an amazing future.
It was so weird watching you today Grant.....first off.... thank you fk sharing ......I saw in you what I saw in myself 15 years ago when I came our ....my parents were the reason I held back as long as I did.....my parents just needed time to absorb everything....I really hope your journey is a smooth one and that you get as much support as possible.
Hey! Very good! I'm sure that after your coming out, you feel happier. I'm a religious teacher, and just 3 weeks ago one of my student confess to me that he is gay. After that, our conversation is more easy. No barrier at all. Wish you luck and success.
Hey! Great video, made me cry a lot... I kind of relate with your story, i'm also 18, but there's some differences: I haven't come out yet, I have 3 brothers and 4 sisters, I went to a catholic only boys school from the 2nd grade to the 12th grade, I didn't really have friends as I grew up and the ones that I have would never take me as I am; and my family (all of it, brothers, sisters, parents cousins, uncles, grandparents, etc.) would never accept me and would probably kill me (not literally)... I can't really come out right now, not as long as I live with my family... I don't want to leave my family or the life I have here, but I had a shity life and it's gonna continue like that unless I move out...
It´s pretty much the same but I´m getting through it like I always did and hopefully things will eventually work out for the best... It's really nice of you to ask, Grant! I hope you're having an awesome life and you're happy! Lots of love
JoSalvador hey man, I was just reading your comment and you should know that if your current friends wouldnt except you for who you are, then dump them and get new ones. You cant choose your family, but you can choose your friends. The first step for you to becoming happy is to surround yourself with people who will except you for who you are. When you finally find some friends (and maybe even a boyfriend), that you can be yourself around, you will start to develop some confidence and you will start to get to be more independent and that will help you deal with your family... Sadly I need to take some of my own advice, but your comment made me want to say somthing nice to you. And I know its easier said then done.... I hope it works out for you.
Same bro I went to a catholic school from head start/ pre-k to present (11th grade), my family is super religious like really really religious and down to the bone Homophobic, like my mom and all my aunts and uncles give the dirtiest, most disgusting looks to all ppl who are not straight, my dad doesn’t agree with their sexuality but respects them as any other person. So coming out to them while I still live under their roof is a big no no, I’m really scared to think that I’m going to lose my family in the process if I ever come out, idk what to do, and I think to my self everyday why did god make me this way I’m really scared for what ppl/family what think of me, so I put on this huge act everyday acting as straight as possible. So same.. I have the same shitty life.
@@felixlebron2056 When you come to realize for yourself that God--who doesn't make mistakes--made you this way on purpose, your outlook will be a little happier, at least it was for me. I hope things get better, Felix. 🤗
Grant,I think I can help you and anyone else here who is Catholic. There is a document from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops titled "Always Our Children." It is a pastoral letter to parents of GBLT youth and is an amazing read. It is a real short document- just a few pages, really. The first half is a bit dry, but the last half is wonderful. Well worth your time. May God keep you safe and protect you.
***** Ok I'm not choosing either side, but to say that God doesn't love someone is just blatantly wrong. God loves everyone - murderers, pedophiles, rapists, thieves, prostitutes, etc. Jesus NEVER turned them away because those are the very people He came to save. You may have a valid argument to say that He doesn't approve of homosexual relationships, but basic Bible knowledge totally contradicts any opinion based on the premise that God doesn't love someone. Please, please don't go around telling people that. That's the kind of stuff that does real damage to people.
***** Please be gracious to others, and read the six (and there are only six) passages of Scripture IN CONTEXT. Cultural, political, social, geographical, and historical contexts are essential when interpreting Scripture. These passages in the sacred Line of Text (ancient Hebrew) and the Koine Greek do not mean what we modern Western readers think they mean. (Senior Biblical & Theological Studies major and Orthodox Christian, 22)
I didn't ask you to write down the laws. Are you able to explain the criteria you use when deciding which of your mythology's commandments you choose to follow and which ones you choose not to follow?
