Thought I would share an interesting time period in my life with you guys. I didn't mention coming out to my team or coaches, maybe I can do that another time.
Your story inspired me that once I get the courage ,things will hopefully change. A lot of people seem to only tolerate but not accept and embrace. My great job is like that ! Thanks for the sharing and encouragement.
I came out way late to extremely conservative evangelical parents and friends from Mississippi and yet here I am! I loved your story. It just keeps getting better...
Genghis Smith great question. Unfortunately mom died during my coming out, but Dad is still living. He has totally amazed me. Two months after coming out he sent me a copy of OUT magazine and we have even had heartfelt conversation about a boyfriend breakup. Never underestimate a parents love. My friends are kinda split. Those I grew up with In Mississippi rarely mentioned it , but still kind. Most all my California and Colorado friends are super supportive. 😃
Mark Shelton Sorry to hear about your mom dying too soon, but it’s great you seem to generally have had the support you needed. My mum also died too soon...just before the end she relented and said she’d like to meet my partner, a conversation which I’m forever grateful for, but sadly it was too late. My dad never came round. Even after many years it still hurts that they missed out on so much of my life.
Genghis Smith I’m so sorry about your mom too. Parents are hard to figure but I still believe they have capacity to surprise. I’m very fortunate to live in California Wine County only 45 minutes from San Francisco. People are extremely supportive and our Pride has over a million people. I realize I live in a bubble right now, but after what I grew up in, I’m enjoying every minute. What about you?
Thank you, David! Your Video really makes the journey transparent with all its doubts, stress and emotional weight. Earnest in the best way, serious, wholehearted. Respect for that. Thumbs up, best wishes, Martin
My story is some years in the past. I also was into sports, played some competitively and even gave up spare time to coach, so not only wasn't I a stereotype, but the physical activity helped me to forget. Some might say it's easier if you can "pass" for being straight, but I don't think it was. It only helped to delay the time that I knew I must face up to it, but in the meantime, I put it in a package and left it on a mental shelf, thinking I could deal with it all later. It was tough though, what I thought I could unpackage at my leisure turned out to be like a dam bursting and it overwhelmed me, so there was a period of adjustment, but eventually I started living my life honestly, coming out to friends and loved ones. It's the best feeling when a heavy weight is lifted.
Knowledge is power! If family, religion, or culture makes coming out difficult for someone, the following blog post about homosexuality may provide valuable help: “Homophobia: To the Community” homoeroticpoems.blogspot.com/2014/04/to-community.html
It's disappointing that gay men in your generation, even when living in liberal parts of the country, continue to suffer significantly trying to be true to themselves. Thank you for telling your story.
Love listening to your story dude!! I actually just posted my own coming out video a couples months ago! It was a huge milestone for me! ... anyways thank you for sharing, hope you and your story inspires many others!
Thank you for sharing. Coming out is about accepting yourself and it changes how you see yourself. Yes, it’s dealing with parents, siblings, family, and friends, but to even get to the point of coming out to others it’s really about coming out to yourself. It’s great that you have done this so early in life (even if it may not feel that way). I’m in my late 60’s and came out unexpectedly when I was 17. Life had its ups and downs, but I am having a great life. I find that I have come out to myself in all kinds of ways besides sexually: handling money, being aggressive in career, ignoring reality in relationships, and lots and lots of aspects of my character. But for me, the key was to simply accept myself as gay, and that is a huge deal because it is how I interact with others, not just how they interact with me. Thanks for your video.
David, thank you. Your video reenforces my hope that things in society are changing and gives me renewed hope that, in time, young people will not feel any stress or discomfort about any sexual orientation. Nice going, bro........Ray
Shark boy .. damn! Remember, You are YOU, and it's up to others to either accept you or reject you. I't their problem, not yours. Life IS a journey, but only go so far in waiting for "acceptance". Be you and do you ... this is your RIGHT!
It might have been in the 80s or the 50s, and more so in previous centuries: those times when there was no internet and you were all alone against your doubts and misinformation and your near environment. It's not such a big deal now that we all know being gay is not a disorder, and even if we're frowned upon somewhere, we'll find support elsewhere.
Astrius It was very tough when I came out a year before when gay marriage was legal in the US and that was in 2015. A lot of people were against equal marriage that it went to the Supreme Court. Yes it’s so much easier because people are informed but there are still haters out there and different family or environmental circumstances.
Even though it is easier today than in years past, it is still something gay people all must do. On one hand, we can say we're still the same person. Our sexuality is only one part of who we are. On the other hand, it does change the way other people see us. Not negative, just different. I'm glad your experiences were positive! It's still a big step, but worth it!
@@cyprixx We must say who we are. A black person or Jewish person would not hide their identities. It's wrong if we don't eventually "come out." Not for a cause or a political statement. Just to be who we are. A straight person probably doesn't realize how often they make it clear they are straight.
David, thank you for sharing your story. You’re a very masculine guy and it’s important for other masculine guys to see and know that they are not alone. I too dated girls ( nothing wrong with that), and I feel it gives us another perspective in understanding how we know we are really gay? I’d be wth buddies playing around wrestling and get so turned on, and I would be so filled with guilt it would eat at me...so thank you again for sharing your story! You’re a good looking man, and I wish you the best on your journey. Please don’t allow yourself to get hung up on the negative part of being gay. When you find Mr. Right, just settle down and be glad you’re alive in this time period and not in the past? Be well and stay safe, esp. now. Alex from LA.
I think it's great that you are able to 'come out' . Most people these days are accepting and will accept it. I am a senior citizen now and it was quite different many decades ago. Don't think too harsh of us old guys if we admire you. Some of us paved the way for you.
Gary Lee I’ll keep it brief... You really took the time to write a whole paragraph just to hate? How sad. I think it’s you the one trying to get attention; I would go as far as to say you’re just projecting your own self-loathing... If you ask me, you’re spending way to much time watching these type of videos and too much of an effort trying to put others down; you should focus on yourself. Have a good one mate.
Thanks for your story. Encouraging. I hope you find a partner/husband in years to come. You would be a good husband for some lucky guy. I didn't come out generally until I was 63 years. Different era. Can't rush it hey!
Good for you! It takes a lot of courage to come out to your family. I waited until I was 30! You're way ahead of a lot of people. Those that come out at 14 are completely nuts (brave as hell, but still nuts!). Congrats and welcome to the big gay world!
Damn, I hate that it took me this long to find this, You are amazing bro. I'm so happy to be a new Subscriber, I loved hearing your story, made me smile and made me think about me in High school. Anyway, I hope you are staying safe (You are a gorgeous man btw)
Great video, sir and I am sure it will help others a lot. I came out in my early 40's after a marriage and two kids. I do not regret the marriage and have a great relationship with my now adult kids but the last 30 years have definitely been more me and, for the most part, blissfully happy. Depression gone. I wish you much happiness
@Gary Lee You joyless narrow minded fuckwit. This is obviously a world of which you are totally ignorant . These coming out videos help many young people usually between 12 and 25 and age group where one of the main causes of suicide is fear of being gay. Take your cynacism and empathy block back to Bigot Land
@Gary Lee Stereotypes! Is that all you have got - the most common vulgar stereotypes that you are happy to spew around on the basis of no evidence whatsoever? Who are you? Trump?
@Gary Lee No rage sweet boy, although I am not sure of the evidence upon which you base your assertions about me or my life. You Tube was set up to provide a forum for discussion and sharing of views. The coming out videos are for a certain group of people at a certain time in their lives. Realising that you are gay is a difficult process, not least because you are unable to talk to anybody about it. It is isolating and often frightening. That's where these videos come in. Of course there are attention seekers everywhere but this does not characterise the whole set. This just is not your world, sir, and coming in like a steam roller to mock and belittle everybody is a cruelty that must be born out of fear, as all such cruelty is.
"You won't regret it." My mother's side of the family ghosted me and I regret that. My father's side of the family didn't care because they didn't care about me. My friends didn't care because I didn't have any.
Thank you for sharing! You are super cute. I agree with your first sentiment, these videos are super helpful and as a result they helped me make the decision to come out to everyone this year. :) Thank you for being another part of the helpful team that uploaded their stories! As a random side note, the way you have positioned your photographs around your room was very distracting to me. I don't know if that says more about you or me, but there you go.
I went through a very similar depression when I couldn't tell anyone. I started avoiding friends an family. I spiraled to the point of needing medication. It took me 6 months after that before I finally told someone, and continued telling people. This got me thinking that of you and I felt depressed that, what was it like for people back in time, when telling anyone was a no-no. Then having to marry a women and make babies, i mainly just to please the family. And of course that came along with another bag of ugly closet secrets. Unfortunately, this still goes on around the world and even here at home.
Question Everything I’m very happy that you were able to find the happiness to absorb into your heart. And I hope that it’s remain a lasting happiness for you. Stories can have amazing affects to make us happy. I think it’s why I love them so much.
In general life is not black and white - if it helps you to put a label on yourself that improves your life quality - fine. If you do not want to you can just live on. It is about you and not the rest of the world. If it is sexuality, diet, eating habits, interests or what ever. If you want to explain and clear things out - fine - if not - fine. The rest of the world do not really care how you live your life.
Lovely video.. You come accross as a great guy. I think seem to second guess yourself which is not good for you. Trust your instincts. Good luck to you in the future
Awesome. Now, MAKE MORE videos! Want to know more of you. (And btw, did your roommate not see the Hello Kitty pillow on your bed? Maybe that would've been a clue? jk. 😂😂) Seriously, do post more stuff. You have a story to tell!
Very cute. When the gayness shows a little (like then you touch your right eyebrow) it's so adorable. I call it breaking down. You speak deep and look macho and then the small things give you away. Best if luck to you and much success and happiness
Being Gay is NOT a choice. Being Bisexual IS a choice, i.e., being attracted to both sexes is a CHOICE. You choose either boy or girl. But being Gay, you're only attracted to the same sex (not a choice). Straight people are only attracted to the opposite sex. If a Straight person argues that it's a choice, all you need to say is the following: "You, who are straight, chose to be with the opposite sex. That means you were attracted to BOTH sexes and CHOSE the opposite sex, right?" You'll then hear a pin drop on the carpet, and he or she will be at a loss for words. God does not make mistakes in his infinite wisdom, i.e., a certain percentage of the population is Gay. Why is a certain percentage of the population left handed, while the majority is right handed? Same analogy. Countless Gay, as well as Straight, are loving, caring, sharing, and productive human beings. Period and end of story.
Watched a lot of these stories. What is a shame is a lot of wasted youth on worry, stress, depression and missed sexual/romantic opportunities. Most unfair.. hope instead of "It gets better." one day it becomes "Great for you. That's cool." You seem very special and it would be a shame for you to deny yourself to our community.. as a role model and probably one hell of a partner.
I have only told a few people (face to face) that I'm gay, the rest, if they can't tell, I'm not going to tell them. I didn't tell my parents because I'm pretty sure, it wouldn't have gone well. Like I said, if they couldn't tell, then I'm not going to tell them. My brother knows, I'm not sure whether my sister knows, but she may have her suspicions. Does telling everyone you are gay, help get along better in life? Does it help you to find a boy friend? Personally, I am interested in relationship first, then if it develops into something more, sexual activities could come up. Realistically, having sex is a very small part of all the things we do during our lives, or in a day. Overall character traits of kindness, compassion, intelligence and being considerate are just as valuable to me as a person's sexual preference. Oh no! I just told everyone, I'm gay ;)
@Gary Lee It appears obvious that you are not gay and see it as a comedy. It is not a comedy if you are gay or lesbian. It is a very serious life changing thing for a gay person to accept themselves and reveal that to family, friends, coworkers, etc. They are not playing your so called professional victim card. They have been the victims of discrimination, prejudice, threats to their well being many times and misunderstanding and ridicule by homophobic people. They are brave and beautiful and deserve praise and admiration for having the courage to come up.
@Gary Lee You are pathetic having no compassion or empathy for other people who are not as lucky in life as you are or seem to be. why are you watching coming out stories in the first place? So you can share your callousness and disregard for other people whom you like to criticize and ridicule? Get a life and get loss.
Peace be upon you to our beloved brothers and dearest sisters, you kinda need to listen to me, I just want to say that:- If you got anyone in your life that ever said to you likes ''how did it come to this?'' in the unkind ways, you know what I mean. This is what you tell them, you look at straight into their eyes and you saying: 1. Religion is about Peace and Mercy of God. 2. a) Do you believe in God? Yes. And if God didn’t want you this way, He wouldn’t have made you this way. Correct! 2. b) God have made and want you this way, because He love you. So, you will get more closely and continuously approach to God. He want you to love Him more than everything else, and the love that's exclusive only for Him. Not so many people out there got that chance. That's why you have to learn and understand the hidden message of God. 3. Whenever you come close yourself to God, He will never judge you based on your sexual orientation. He will judges and look at you, by what kind of a person you are. 4. Humanity is about as long as we bring ourselves to loves someone else, no matter what color, no matter what race, no matter what culture, no matter what religion, and no matter what gender. Humanity just want us to be loved, and to be able to love somebody back. 5. God loves us beyond any and everything else, and that’s who we should love first. 6. And in God's eyes kindness and love are what it’s all about.
@JeremyS Oh, yes. Indeed. God is great. We are servant ourselves, servant to none other but God. I wouldn't disagree with you. I got your points of views about this matter. And I very well aware of that, thank you. That's why I/we as a fellow of human beings who has been blessed with a feelings, together with a good nature by God, I/we should do the nexts right things, that which could help them to go into the righteous path. I really do know, that we cannot and never can change people's heart and mind set, but for the God's sake we can give them certain advises for their own good to those who ask for it. People make many mistakes, but we can learn from that, on how to fix it. That is why I mentioned to them God loves us beyond any and everything else, and that’s who we should love first. Since I just want them to LOVE One and Only Almighty God, The Most Beneficent and The Most Merciful, beyond any and everything else with all their hearts. Just so you know, this is because whenever you come close yourself to God, He will never judge you based on your sexuality. He will judges and look at you, by how earnestly we seek and pleading of His favours, forgiveness, and what kind of a person you are. And you know what, Religion is about Peace and Mercy of God. Because God is in nature with The Most Forgiving, The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate, The Most Acceptor of Repentance, The Most Kind, and The Most Pardoner, and other Glorious Names in nature of God. At least I/we try to do something, which is we guide them back into the righteous paths once again. Rather than we let them stay in astrayness and die in it. So, in afterlife if God ask us, what did we do to help them, we already have the answers. I would also like to thank you, for you to read and listening of my humble speech.