This is my story of growing up mormon and gay. *Instagram: Josephgarner94 *Don’t forget to subscribe and click the bell button so you are notified anytime I post a new video 🤗
with 19 nieces and nephews, the chances of one of them having a similar struggle with their sexuality is a really high possibility. i’m glad that they’ll have you as an uncle to talk to and really feel safe with
@@meyu1468 Hmm well those people are below the age of 22 so a lot of them could be saying that because they are bicurious, but if that is actually true that's awesome!
I wince when I read such a finite dichotomy ignoring the loving purpose of life, challenges, choices, I also wish all could love others for who they are. It's not exclusive.
I told my mom in confidence and by the morning she told everyone she knew. Then they took me to a cemetery and told me to pick out a grave because that is where I will be in 2 years. Then they told me I was weak. That I would never be happy and get use to a lonely miserable life.. They told me to leave so I left. They said the reason they didn't speak,to me for years was they heard I was murdered. Then they found,out I had made some good investments and they contacted me. They want me declared as not fit to take care,of myself so they can take my assets. My family are not nice people. I like the content on your channel.
helookalikaman79 yeah I haven’t one tat far bro the video but this guy radiates sweetness and kindness and caringness but with a hint of mournfulness which is completely understandable
Ben Shaw Yep, he’s very cute, but also very intelligent. I can imagine the church has a huge impact on/power over people and that it took this dude years and years to find himself, but he finally did and he took the right decision to start dating guys. It must have been a tremendous relief for him to escape from the dominance of the church.
I wish you could talk to my mom. My parents thought I was,murdered 3 years ago and had a celebration and never verified to see if the lie my sister told them that I was,killed was true. My parents told me to leave. Now since I have a little money they wanted back into my life. My parents told me the only reason they had me was so that they would have someone to take care of them when they got old. But my parents would destroy any relationship so I would just have them.
@@alisarsour8552 It kills me to hear these stories. I know they are your parents and you love them. But you have to take care of yourself love yourself more. Your parents have each other, it's your turn to find your better half. Best of luck!!
@@andrewspurgeon2000 well growing up mormon, I would like to know where my money is? or was? Or someone can tell me why we lived off the church store house or why we had to have help with bills, or why our electricity was out occasionally same with our water.. I am inactive but I am still technically a mormon. So where is my money? Don't just assume things It's not gonna get you very far in life.
It's not a religious issue. Non-Biblical based Asian societies are more anti-LGBT than traditionally Christian nations are. Taiwan is the only Asian country to date that has fully legalized gay marriage, and that was in May this year. They are also the only country in Asia besides Israel that have legalized gay adoption. Most people have a natural, biologically ingrained repulsion to homosexuality and this is universal across the globe. Given that traditionally Christian nations are the only ones heavily promoting LGBTQRSJWism right now, the 'cus religion' narrative does not hold water.
Aleeki N. So? Its not because of religion. Stables economies allows society to develop. When u dont have food or clean water LGBT rights get “irrelevant” (in a not-offensive way obviously) so plz dont star with “religion is acceptance” or any of that shit because its not.
Honestly this isn't really a religious issue. Most of my family members are Christian and 20 percent of them are bisexual, including myself. Everyone around me happily accepted every LGBT+ person. Don't get me wrong we aren't that connected to each other but it is mostly because of their bad decisions (single mother, alcohol addiction, etc.) and it isn't because their sexuality or gender.
For those that don't know, "stay in the Church" in this case means that you are gay but never act on it, or you marry someone of the opposite sex and live by the rules of the Church. It's horribly sad and heart-breaking. (and unfair for the spouses too) I wish everyone could be loved and accepted completely for who they are 💗
@@jhctxcla I don't know about Jehovah's Witnesses, but for LDS, it's absolutely true. Same with Catholic Church (both of which i have family experience with) if you're out of the closet you're expected to be either celibate, or to marry someone of a different orientation that you're not attracted to.
@@macadysmith1722 Sorry, I have seen it with my own eyes. Nobody may hold a gun to your head, or twist your arm but if your family (And Church) tells you that to be a worthy human being and follow the scripture/teachings of the Church and fulfill your destiny in the afterlife, and in this one as a father/mother, etc - then yeah, that's "pressure" and the alternative is celibacy and self denial.
We really need to stop calling it “a lifestyle”. Kardashians have lifestyles. Gays have lives. It’s an important difference. Calling one’s sexuality a lifestyle or a life choice is destructive, self-damaging and indicates it’s something one can change. It’s not. It’s just the way you are. It is so sad to watch these stories of fear of ones family’s reaction to ones very being. My father was incredible and loving beyond my dreams. I found out later he was crying one night...not because I was gay but because his boy felt he couldn’t bring this to him. He felt he had failed me. But when my mum told me that I felt the opposite...he had succeeded in the most beautiful way. I’m a lucky boy. I am so thankful I came out to my parents before they passed as I would never have known how amazing their reactions would be. I’m shocked all parents aren’t like mine. A parent should love a child unconditionally and with great empathy. Times are getting better but there’s still some truly sad tales out there. 🌈🌈🌈
dear michaelmouse you are number one your voice is why our community gets stronger. When we talk to each other we know we are not the only gay person in the world. If the haters are tiring to get in your way just walk around them your true self is your life.
You are a delightful person...your story is relatable outside of the mormon culture...stay strong ....realize continuing with the religious relationships as they are...take the good in yourself and write your own story...don't just take it as gospel words from a nother human... You will go far if you remain true but actually think
I hope I can find someone soon. I feel so desperately lonely some days. I'm in my early 30's and have yet to ever experience a successful long term romantic relationship. And as for short term intimate and sexual experiences I've never experienced something fulfilling/enriching yet (and i don't have many experiences to count, it's been years since I've even been on a date) My heart is desperate for that connection and sense of emotional safety and physical closeness. I've yearned for this ever since I was 13 years old. I think I might end up getting really lucky though in terms of love, so I have hope. And I'm trying dating apps again.
I'm a member of the the church. Nobody puts the church ahead of loving your own family it's all in how you react and how those people chose to react I'm a member of the church and I don't support you being gay but I'm not going to be cruel and mean to you and make fun of you and try to change you I'm going to be nice just like I am to every single other person on this Earth. Just because you don't agree with how someone decides to live their life and who they choose to love doesn't mean that you can be cruel and mean to someone. I've been bullied my whole life I'm not going to bully someone else because of what they believe in.
No one is born gay, because no one is born with sin. Unless you can show me a specific gene that makes you want to defy your biological urge to reproduce with the opposite sex, You arent going to change my mind or anyone else in the church’s mind.
Dang the scariest part of this story is the fact that that dude like stalked you and made you feel forced to talk to your parents about everything again. That’s cruel and so not his place. I’m so sorry that happened. Stay safe dude.
I'm 75 and have been with my other half for 30 years and cried tears of joy when I read your story. I'm really happy for you. You are a beautiful person who has a huge amount of compassion. And I congratulate your parents for how they seem to be accepting of you. Be kind and forgiving to everyone.
Paul ferzoco..... 'be kind and forgiving to everyone', as the Mormon Church and any other religious faith has shown since time immemorial to gay people. What's the matter with you?
There can never be too many coming out stories, there will always be someone that can relate to a particular one, and sharing that story can have a profound impact on them. Wish you all the best!
I grew up Mormon and gay! Can totally relate to you so hard... I thank god that my parents were excepting, but I was made to see a Mormon therapist to sort through my feelings and was even given the opportunity to go to straight conversion group. I prayed to god about what path I should choose and came to the answer that I needed to accept the person I was meant to be.
I relate. I grew up in a very religious Mormon household here in Utah. I Went to church. Did temple work etc. I always knew I was gay since I was a kid but knew I couldn’t be due to my religion. As I got older I just started to realize I had to be myself to be truly happy. I did the same thing. Talked to lots of guys on tinder and eventually I kissed a guy and instantly knew it was the life for me 😂 coming out was one of the hardest things I’ve done. But fast forward to now and my family has accepted me and my boyfriend and they love him and things are Gucci 🙏 hope you’re happy now man. Slide into my DMs if you ever need to talk ❤️
That sounds a lot like what I’m going through, my family is really religious. My grandparents on my dad’s side and all my family on my mom’s side go to church. I realized that I was bi and ace a while ago and am too scared to tell them because I’m scared they’re going to disown me. I’m getting comfortable being who am but feel like I have to mask my sexuality when I’m with my family I just wish that the church would be more accepting.
I also came out to my Mormon parents and family last year while I was on holiday. They told me they knew as a mother knows her children. I'm very lucky to have a mother and father who loves me as I am given the religion says otherwise. My family are all very supportive and constantly ask if I have a boyfriend yet 😂
Im wanting to tell my mormon parents but i also tried telling my dad that i was non binary and he just quoted scriptures to me and it really hurt me. I also havent been able to feel like telling them much after this especially when i know they were worried but when my mom found out i self harmed she made me feel super uncomfortable by asking me to take off my jacket when a freind was over.
@@rebelmcabee4109 that kinda sounds real bad and horrible that your mother made you feel like that. I'd suggest that you take your time and go slow. Until you've found your ground. Also when you've moved out as you will feel less stress if it doesn't go to plan... Just remember family isn't defined by blood, but by the love that people have for you and accepting you for who you are. People change with time tho, take it slow.
Alysa Huber he didn’t have to say it, but it was obvious his parents were pushing him to date girls instead of boys, even after he told them he was gay.. They wanted “what was best for him”, as in, they wanted him to conform anyway.
No... It is possible to have differing opinions and not be against said person. People can do hard things in the name of what they think is best. Parents do it a lot. I'm sure they had his best intentions at heart.
@@josephgarner94 Thank you Joseph for sharing your amazing story I really appreciate it. As a heterosexual young man myself born in 1998 from Lakemba, New South Wales, Australia with healthy positive masculinity I absolutely have no problem if boys and men around the world want to show their emotions because we are human beings with emotional feelings. Being bisexual and being homosexual does not make you less of a man & there are bisexual plus homosexual teenage boys & men who are masculine around the world. We males really need to show empathy for boys and men & listen to how they feel inside instead of mocking them & rejecting them by claiming that they are not manly or masculine enough because that is called bullying & it is a dangerous game. What is a man? He is a human male adult enough said men do not have to prove their manhood because that is a huge lie made up by old school gender activist bigots. As a mature young man myself plus other men around the world we do not have to prove our masculinity because that is just machismo not masculinity, so to all my fellow brothers out there just be a compassionate mature gentleman that is it end of story.
it is not a lifestyle ...it is your LIFE ...BE PROUD ! i am a 54 yr old lesbian. I have 1 brother and he was always concerned that my lifestyle might affect him in some way... not sure how lol ....fast forward to my only nephew , who came out to me 2 yrs ago ...Karma in a way I guess ...I am so pleased that they have accepted him 100% Be yourself young man and God bless !
try coming out in 1957,,( i didn't ) because i would have been killed right away..gay guys now have it much easier but back then that was not the case. being called names all your life hurts,,you say repair it, but that can't happen. jimmy
Mi friend 's son: Mother I'm sorry to wake you up Mother: Are you OK? My friend's son: I'm gay Mother: OK. I know your are gay, so was your dad...go back to sleep True story...
Gary Lee I’m not homophobic but I’m gay and sometimes I rlly wish that meant I didn’t have to be in the lgbt community. Yes I’m attracted to men. No I don’t like the lgbt community because it’s full of a lot of drama.
K Midnitee not 100% sure but i remember hearing from one of my close mormon friends that many kids are seen as a very positive thing in the church and basically will bring better things for your family and that children are gods gift i suppose. something to do with many kids = happy life
You tore my heart and built it back up again. God Bless you, God Bless your courage, God Bless those who love you for just you, lastly just God Bless. Much much love and any support you need from NYC.
Hi, Joseph. I am a gay man old enough to be your grandfather (71), and I am here to tell you that your life can be just as rich and full as that of your straight siblings. Yes, you can marry (a man) and have kids (adopt or surrogate) if that is what you want. Stop dating girls, though. That path leads to nothing but pain and confusion for both yourself and the young ladies involved. Be patient with yourself and with your family, and just continue to be as open and honest with them as you can. Time will take care of the rest ( I know; I've lived it). Lastly, understand that there is nothing wrong with you that needs fixing. You are as your creator made you, and you deserve to be fulfilled and happy. BTW, thanks for subscribing to my channel. I plan to make videos about being gay in the dinosaur days, but these are still in the planning stage, because family obligations have sidetracked me.
Unfortunatly, this isn't the sadist Morman "coming out" i've heard about. This amazingly coragious and strong boy made it. many don't! it's the 21 century and the morman church has just recentaly decided that "gay" was the way you were born, but try to emotionally blackmail the gay kids into NOT ACTING ON IT!. What gay morman kids are told, is that life on earth isn't that important and when you die, you won't be reunited with your family in the after life!! Basically what they are telling you, is that you are usless, because your not going to marry (a girl) and produce 4 or 8 or 10 kids to add to the populstion of the church. One xmorman boy i met, was told to leave home and town, because it was emotionally to difficult to get to know him now, because they would miss him to much in the after life. He lucke out. The cop who was going to arrest him, took him to his pastors house, not jail. Alother boys father, paid a long distance trucher to take him 500 miles away , well across the state line and leave him on the highway. He was 15. He left home without a dime. no clothes. no id. He lucked out. The trucker had a gay brother and felt sorry for the boy and braught him to his mothers home. The took care of him. loved him and he's been thair son ever since. If thair is a god, i'm sure he's not morman. Both boys would up as students at the college where i teach. They are the lucky "throwaway kids". Lots wind up as male prostatudes or dealing in someone elses drugs or kill themselves, because of family rejection, shame, guilt and church caused depresson. You are not alone. google the nearest gay youth hotline or center. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Fixing typos and grammatical errors, Unfortunately this isn't the sadist Mormon "coming out" I've heard about. This amazingly courageous and strong boy made it. Many don't! It's the 21st century and the Mormon church has just recently decided that "gay was the way you were born," but they try to emotionally blackmail the gay kids into NOT ACTING ON IT. Gay Mormon kids are told that life on Earth isn't that important, and when you die, you won't be reunited with your family in the afterlife! Basically what they are telling you is that you are useless, because you're not going to marry a girl and produce 4 or 8 or 10 kids to add to the population of the church. One ex-Mormon boy I met was told to leave home and town, because it was emotionally to difficult to get to know him now, and they would miss him too much in the afterlife. He lucked out. The cop who was going to arrest him, took him to his Pastor's house, not jail. Another boy's father had a long distance trucker take his son 500 miles away, well across the state line and leave him on the highway. He was 15. He left home without a dime. No clothes. No ID. He lucked out. The trucker had a gay brother and felt sorry for the boy, so he brought him to his mother's home. They took care of him, loved him, and he's been their son ever since. If there is a god, I'm sure he's not Mormon. Both boys would end up as students at the college where I teach. They are the lucky "throwaway kids." Lots of them wind up as male prostitutes, drug addicts, or commit suicide because of family rejection, shame, guilt, and church causing depression. You are not alone. Google the nearest Gay Youth Hotline or center. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. P.S. Highly doubt this is all true, you claim to be a college professor yet cannot even use commas properly. The end is one of few redeeming qualities that even makes this worthwhile in the slightest. You do you. Edit: capitalization
The saddest stories are actually the ones that end too early. Whenever the Mormon church comes out with some new anti-LGBTQ "REVELATION" the number of teen suicides go up. Every...single...time. Love should never be conditional. I grew up like that and it's like an arrow to your heart. I got out of Utah and realized people were a lot more accepting than I thought possible, even in the 90s. If you are hurting look for your own family, your community, it makes all the difference. Whether it's the youth drop in center or the Drama Club (mine back then) in your school, there are safe accepting spaces for young queer people. In Mormonland you just have to look a little harder.
@@diabolicalandi Hi Andrea, thanks for your responce. We have a lot to talk about and if it's ok, i'll send you a long responce (rant) later. Luckly, i was raised christian (not mormon or evangelical) ! Church and related youth activities, was a place parents sent (dumped) their kids to get them out of the house. Free babysitting. haha It wasn't a place to fill your heart and mind, with fear and hate. I'll get back to you later, when i have more time. Thanks again for your reply
@@diabolicalandi I still live in Utah and there are so many people who are accepting, maybe not so much within the older generations but the younger ones have clearly gotten so much better
My best friend is gay, and we met in a singles ward. He struggled for years and I can't imagine having to go through that first hand. His mother said she would rather be hearing that he has cancer than be hearing that her son is gay. I commend you for coming out and being true to yourself. You deserve happiness.
Continue to be honest to yourself and everything will fall into place. You will find the perfect mate to call your own and love them for a lifetime. I know. I am 65 years old, my husband is 67 and we have been married in our hearts for 42 years and legally for 4 years. We both were raised Southern Baptist, so we understand. Being out is actually much easier now than 42 years ago. Wishing you all the best--always.
I don’t think many people realize how easy it is for closeted/struggling gay folks to be taken advantage of in relationships/dating. Being closeted is something that can be held over your head and it’s terrifying to think if someone you’re dating gets angry they can use that against you. These stories are hard to tell but thank you for sharing! It’s so important for gay youth, especially religious gay youth to hear. Hope you are doing well in your journey❤️
I am LDS and admire your courage & honesty. Please stay strong and remember you are well loved, not only by family, but also by this stranger who is watching your video with much admiration.
The devil's playground? Lily Dale and the spirtualists there? No, you are so wrong if you say that. The devil's playground is in my underpants! I am proud and strong.
As a 17.5 year old who has also grown up in the church and who is still active, I appreciate the fact that you made this video. This has even brought myself a little more closure. Thanks Joseph!
Joseph, I'd like for either one of us to reach out to one another on Instagram or another form of social media. You an find me on Insta: @apinchofspence The picture that I have of myself here on RU-vid is the same that I have on Instagram. 👍
I’m Mormon and recently I’ve been struggling and questioning my sexuality. I’m 13 and with Mormons, you can’t date or be in a relationship until you’re 16. I’ve “dated” boys which I know isn’t right with Mormons and I completely understand that, and I don’t know if it’s just that it’s middle school relationships I’m not feeling much with them or that I’m lacking knowledge in myself. I’m also not looking for any relationships with *anyone* soon for that matter. Recently there have been a lot of things (signs if you will) that maybe I *am* bisexual. I think it was last October’s women’s conference, before general conference, one of the 12 apostles was talking about the LGBTQ+ community and that really hit me hard. I know for a fact I don’t talk to my parents enough about anything but I really hope that I will be able to talk to them about how I’m feeling and *maybe* even come out to them. I *did* once talk to my mom and she said the main reason Mormons don’t encourage gays is because they see people sexualizing it and that makes them immediately jump to sex before marriage. I’m not looking for any of that. I’m really glad Heavenly Father has given you the opportunity to become who you really are. I hope he’ll help me talk with my parents.❤️
Ainsley Rose Hey I’m kinda in the same situation with you except I’m a 14 year old boy and not a Mormon but a Catholic. I’m confused on my sexuality too. I recently noticed over the past two years. I recall when I was younger feelings of being gay, but just now realizing it. I tried to deny it for so long. Right now I’m stuck in the middle of Bi, or gay. I have no intentions of coming out anytime soon, especially since I need to know who I am first. It’s just hard you know. I think my family would accept me, we are catholic but not the really religious family. I believe in God and pray and wanna go to church more. It hurts me when I see all these posts from Religious people saying being gay is a “lifestyle” or a “choice” when if it was I would just want to be straight point blank period! And also, I know God loves us all, and put us on thus earth who we are for a reason. But yeah I just thought I could tell you since A) it’s RU-vid and B) You’re a stranger 😂 I don’t even know if I can tell my best friend yet. I’m too afraid, I feel like I am gay but I wanna deny it. Anyways, thank you for reading my ted talk 😂 😊
I am almost in exactly the same situation. Thank you so much for talking about your struggles. I started looking at girls a little differently a while back and just trying to push it down, and ignore it. Eventually general conference came around and I finnaly realized that I am bi. I know for a fact that I'm not looking to get busy with anyone and I want to be respectful of the lord and the cards I've been dealt. I haven't talked to my parents yet and am still sorting out how to do it. I hope evrething goes well. Best of luck! ❤
Man, I was really impressed by your story and how brave you are. Growing up in a religious mormon family must be hard and being able to come out with dignity was lhe best thing you did to yourself. I'm your Brazilian fan. I want to hear more of you. Hugs
You are special, beautiful and deserve to live your life your way. God never makes mistakes. Don't allow anyone to diminish you, great things lie ahead for you
You handled everything with such grace! You seem so calm explaining your story. My father wasn’t Mormon, but my mother is and he came out to her when I was 8 years old. I’m sure he felt so conflicted between wanting a “normal” family life and being happy actually dating men. I’m glad you are able to live the way you want now ❤️ and that your parents are still loving towards you.
i’m a closeted child of southern baptists so i really resonated with this video. i have the same fears regarding my family’s reaction. i’m really hoping it works out
Joseph, you have a beautiful soul you are a gift from God to your family they will learn many things about life, love, and giving tolerance acceptance of differences from themselves through loving you! you were chosen and you are loved not just by family but by many people many you have never met, I was raised in the church and was asked to leave so I did but I kept my love and my walk with Christ this can't be taken by anyone I have been blessed and have received countless gifts and blessings I pray and have had my prayers answered in perfection. I to was given a similar journey the love I have given has been returned to me tenfold.
Jonbudy, sweet message, man. My hunch is that Joseph, who is incredibly nice himself, will be glad to have received it. I think you have been quite brave and positive and now deserve a full measure of happiness of your own.
I’m a member of this church. I’m glad you’re out of the closet. It’s not healthy to pretend to be something you aren’t. I stand with my church on every doctrine and principle, and remember that also includes compassion, love, empathy, and understanding. There was obviously going to be a choice on whether to act on your sexuality or being an active member. You made your choice and I respect you for it. I don’t know you, but I love you and wish you eternal happiness and peace.
Hey Joseph, your story is beautiful and is inspirational. I’m in a similar situation with my Christian family. My parents have been church leaders and worship leader/pastor. It’s extremely difficult but I have recently found a support group through my friends in college and I hope that someday I have the courage to come out to my family as well. Specially being in a position where my family and myself have been a big part of the church. Coming out to them is also coming out to the church. Great listening you speak about your experience.
Buddy this hits home so much, just one brother and two sisters here, I know how it feels to watch them all get married, have kids and so on, it's easy to feel left behind. Be strong, your not alone.
Hey Joseph, you did a great job on your video. I am glad to hear that you survived your first experience with a Stalker. I'm glad that you are still able to enjoy the love and affection of your family during your journey through life. For some people that is so important, especially young kids. Coming out today is much simpler and garners much more support than when I came out and I am happy that that is occurring since being Gay is not something that can be changed no matter how badly someone may want to do so. I hope that you continue to enjoy the life you have ahead of you and find someone special to make that journey with.
Wow you are such a strong man. Thanks for sharing. I’m 60 and could never bring myself to do that and I still have struggled with wanting a good man in my life. I am married and a proud father of two but it is so freaking hard. My best friend and I acted out together while in college but the guilt was to over powering that we went different ways and got married. I still miss him till this day. Stand Strong In The Lord Always and Never Give Up!!! May you be blessed always brother ❤️❤️❤️
My heart aches for you. As a gay Christian I understand the hurt and can assure you that God is on this path with you and your relationship with God can be deepened through this path.
I've been in a mixed orientation marriage for many years, She has been my greatest support since I came out to her. What will be will be. We do not know, but we are prepared for all contingencies. Thank you for your story. I love you brother and support you in all you do. Sid
You are a decent, considerate, kind young man. Your parents should be proud. Thank you for sharing this. I can see the pain on your eyes. I can hear the courage in your words. I do not know you, and I am proud of you. Religion can be judgemental. Which I find very sad. This video expresses your struggle as well as your respect for your parents. As a mom, I want to say, you have to live your life. You have to be you. Otherwise you are lying to yourself and everyone else. You deserve to be happy. Anxiety free. I truly hope you find your path. Just keep being you and all the good things in life will find you. And know that your words here, will make a huge difference for people going thru what you have and are going thru. Be happy. That is the purpose.
This is one on the best coming out videos I've seen. You just have got to live your life. We are born naturally gay so we live with it. I am very happy being gay and wish I do it again the next time around. You now have Hayden to help you. It's easiest with someone you love. It's all good from here on. Love you , Hayden and all of your videos and will continue to watch. thx for sharing.
@Gary Lee probably because people who DARE to be different are treated like garbage and yes gay people are courageous for coming out. There are people like him being killed in the streets because they don't conform with societal norms. I don't know you but maybe you should gain some perspective before you go on the Internet and blast your ignorant opinion. I dunno seems like a good idea🤗🤗🤗
@Gary Lee Please elaborate on how gays have more rights. About the activists you clearly disagree with, their actions don't mean you can generalize an entire group of people and demonize everyone who is gay because of the activists who "turned the community into a freak show".
@Gary Lee I know what your talking about but this goes back to my argument where I explained that the generalization of gays is prejudice and in an argument its not good to take a complicated topic and put a vague title on it. I say this because you say that gays are" a protected class" in that sense yes western gays in 1st world countries have it better than the rest of the world and to some VERY small extent the minority card has been used to wrongly cause harm where it shouldn't have been. But to say that gays are a protected class would be inaccurate considered the recorded violence towards the LGBTQ+ community not only in the U.S but in the rest of the world.
I was raised in a Mormon family and have lived the values of family and spiritual health all my life, I was attracted to guys all my life and dated guys in school, I served as a Mormon missionary for two years and it helped me realize I need to be myself, I have no time to waste, it's my life and I need to live it the way I was born to live it. I didn't choose to be gay. I know my family will be supportive, they love me and they're giving me space all this years to develope my personality with confidence. I haven't come out to them yet, or well, made it official yet. Idk why, I know they will support me and accept me the way I am, but I think I'm afraid of them suffering because of my fault. I'm not afraid about Myself anymore, now I'm strong enough to deal with it.
Being gay does not automatically make you a child abuser, .i am so proud of you and your family for being so awesome in you just being gorgeous you, I’m so pleased for you and whatever comes your way and hope you are happy in life , you’re amazing!
Hey Joseph I am so proud of you for standing up for yourself for who you are and not being judged for what you are. Keep your chin up and be proud don’t let anyone bring you down
WOW! That was a really hard video to make. I am so proud of you. I joined the church when I was 23 and told my Bishop I was gay. He later told me that he prayed about it and that if I had sex with a woman, that all the man to man feelings would disapper. LIE! I was married for 16 years and that wass the worst thing I could have done to my wife. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you are supposed to do something because..... The only time I ever felt peace was in the Celestial Room when it was just me and God. As long as you and God are good, nothing else matters. God bless you.
TheDemonShipper there was a time not too long ago that Was sure I was never going to tell anyone. No pressure either way though, you’ve got to do it in you own time and I’m you’re own way, if you end up doing it at all!
It's great to hear other people with the same situation... I'm 19 and have left the church but have only come out to my mom, she's cool with it but I still don't have near enough courage to come all the way out
Joseph take your Time and be at a peaceful place. If people Love You they will support you. Sounds Crazy, BE TRUE to YOURSELF. Your very WISE on this, watch out some people are not Kind. Enjoy your time together with family. Love You my Brother.
SO MUCH of what you said resonated with my being, because my path has been extremely similar. Though I wasn’t Mormon at the time, I was a Christian who was gay on the inside, and not even the prettiest girl would change my feelings...even when I felt really “close” to God. I even joined the LDS church my senior year of college because I loved the friends I had met, but also thought I could insulate myself from myself even further. When I learned that being gay in the church meant I’d go to family wards my whole life as a single guy pretending to be straight, I couldn’t stomach the idea of families in the church constantly inquisitive as to why I hadn’t met a nice pretty girl yet. It’s even worse when you’re what people consider handsome, and attract a lot of attention, 🙄. So I had to leave the church. I’m proud of you that you’re standing strong to your hearts desires. I know that deep down you still feel like an outsider sometimes with your church friends, I do. I get angry a lot because I feel like people still look at me like I’m some sort of anomaly, when I wish I would just be treated normal all the time. You’ll get that the rest of your life..:take it in stride. Hoping all the best that God can bless you with! ❤️
Very brave and well spoken. I'm ex-LDS. While their 'program' is truly wonderful in many ways, if you don't fit the mold life is rough. I have had coloured friends who, when travelling, have found themselves treated poorly in some areas. When you talk about leverage, the church itself wields so much leverage - as any religion should because it becomes a part of everything you live. Leaving the straight and narrow path tears away a part of you in every aspect of life and that is so scary. I'm glad you are supported. My ex and my daughter later came out. If I had still been involved as much as I had been when I was a member then I would have had a very difficult time dealing with it and I would have made mistakes. I empathize with your parents and feel that your family is lucky to have each other and manage through this. Respect.
You're so handsome man! I grew up in Salt Lake City Utah, the capital of Mormon Ville. You're so brave for coming out. Its not easy in the Mormon community.
You're a beautiful story teller x :) You've travelled a tough road but still share it with such dignity and love for your family..... keep sharing your tale :)
Hey, another gay-raised-Mormon! This is the first time I've come across your channel, and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. Like you, I always knew I was gay, but I had the added complication of being a trans guy. I'm in my mid-20s now and still have not come out to my dad (but I assume my mom has told him). Both parents are fully in denial. However, so many relatives and friends from church have shown me an overwhelming amount of support and love. Navigating faith and sexuality can be so complicated, especially in the LDS church (I myself have recently found a different spiritual path). Congrats on getting to a better place in your life, brother!
I have 7 children aged 15 to 34 and 22 grandchildren. I'm 49 and my wife is 48, we were raised Mormon and had our first child when I was 15 and my wife was 14. The period of our son's birth was quite traumatic as we were shunned. We went through a lot together and by 19 we got married and have been together in the Mormon church still to this day. My son who is 23 recently told us he is gay. We already knew he was - as parents we saw he was fem and liked girls as friends. We love him unconditionally and said we'd never leave his side. He cried and hugged us and said he was scared we'd disown him. He tried many times to harm himself, but we put it down to teen stuff, but it all makes sense now. I've spoken with the bishop about it and told him in no way will I disown my son and if the church shuns him then they shun us. I'm a social worker and a lot of youth go through things of which I am the one to work with them. I always say to them that they need to go out in the world and experience all the things like drinking, smoking and relationships but then I say, its my advice but they need to listen to their parents and not me.
Thank you for sharing this, it will help innumerable closeted Mormon kids come to accept themselves. I can see the pain in your eyes as you recount this story and I can relate, as I have been through a similar pain with my Mormon family. I really hope that you are able to find happiness, no matter who it is with. To all the gay Mormon kids, just know that coming to terms with your sexuality is a huge hurdle to overcome, but one day, you will pass this barrier and you will come out on the other side and be able to look back and see how much you have grown and how strong it has made you. Just know that you can make it, you will make it. It will take time but it is worth the wait, there are many more of us than it appears.
Hello you! Recently I came out to my family, my friends and the rest of my siblings already knew, but I’m having some problems with my parents. As you said in your video, Since I was a little boy, even before my baptism, I knew I was kind singular and different. As you, I served my Mission in Salt Lake City and I’m still doing my best effort to do my best.
This one dude stalked you. Oh my I’m glad you got out of that situation safe .... your Story really warms my heart and I hope that in the future you won’t be so hard on yourself. 💕
@@john-ui5ee STUPID MATH! Or I need to admit I need old lady reading glasses, with a sequined string to keep me from losing them. Well, out of 21,000 viewers only thumbs down.
You are so brave and thank you for this, it made me fill something i really don't understand, sad for what you went through, happy for having lets say some kind of an understanding family, wishing for a better future for all of us but i just wanted to thank for you it and wish all the best
Thanks for sharing your story! It's heartbreaking to see yourself struggling to be accepted by your family. God loves you without exception. If he's got a plan for all of us, it is to accept each other just as they are.
Hi Joseph. I really want to let you know you're loved by me. I give props to your courage and conviction to show your true self. And ever since we've known each other in the mission, I always admire your personality. I am truly happy for you. Love, Jypsy
he really does look like a Mormon doesn’t he ALSO SO PROUD OF YOU CUTIE💕💕🥰😘 YOU INSPIRE ME SO MUCH AND I WISH YOU ALL THE HAPPINESS IN THE WORLD AND IM SENDING YOU A VIRTUAL HUG RN
It sounds like you've had a long journey in coming to terms with your sexuality and have tried also to be thoughtful and sensitive in helping your family with the coming out process too. It's a credit to you as a person in the prime of your adult life, dealing with so much.all at once. I think anyone who has you for a partner will be very lucky.
Bless your courageous heart, Joseph. It was very hard for most of us to come out. You are a sweet, beautiful youngman and I believe you will find your ideal bromance. Thanks for telling us about your painful experience. These videos of personal coming out stories help many, many more young men by giving them support and hope. Love you, boy.
