My Coming Out Experience 

I can't imagine anyone not being proud to have you for a son. Keep on being you, Calvin, and you'll be just fine.

Your mother abused you. She ought to be ashamed of herself. People that put religion over their own families are completely despicable. You are smart. Put your knowledge to work for you.

I just want to let you guys know I still read all the comments. :) There's a lot of them, but I read every one and thank every single one of you for your kind words. It makes me so happy inside from your words of encouragement. And to anyone out there who is in contemplation of coming out, I hope all goes well for you the day that you do. Much love.

My mom keeps hinting at it. "Is there something you want to tell me?" "You know I'll always love you no matter what, right?" She told me the other day that she doesn't care if I brought home a man from the moon because as long as I'm happy, she'll be happy...and I STILL can't get the words to come out of my mouth.

The damage religon does is appalling.

It's sad that some people think we actually choose who we like, they don't choose to be straight. We don't choose to be gay. We were born this way and I'm honestly so proud of you. Thank you so much for your story :) SO many people, like you said, will always be here for you. Me included. I love your videos and you seem like a awesome person.

Came from a similar background. Graduated H.S. shortly before my 17th birthday and joined the Air Force when I turned 17. You will never get fundamentalists to accept you and you can forget that. Live your life the way that you are and remember that God, in his infinite wisdom, made you who you are and he did not make any mistakes. I am 76 now and had a 36 year relationship which only ended with his death of a heart attack when he was 59. You seem to be a bright, intelligent and handsome young man (from your video). Life is precious, live it to the fullest and if your relatives don't like it, tough! They are the ones missing out by not really knowing you.

calvin, what a tough story to tell, so thank you for sharing. terry and i have been together for 33 years and coming out in the 80's wasn't easy, but the quality of person you are inside is what helps people understand things a little bit better and you have discovered that. whether you feel like it or not, you are a stellar role model and i wish you the best of good fortune, long life, and happiness. hugs, brooks

I am sorry that your family has treated you so poorly. Your story is powerful and one that needs to be heard. You will marry the man of your dreams someday, and I hope your family comes to their senses and fully supports you both.

It's so depressing, I just hate religious fanatism T.T

I am so incredibly proud of you for being so unbelievably brave, being able to accept yourself the way you are even in the difficult situation that you have been in, and I am so sorry that your family and your mum in particular reacted the way she did. It is so courageous of you to make this video, and I absolutely admire you for believing in yourself, breaking away from your family, finding your own place, making your own path with your friends and the people that believe in you. You deserve to live life as the perfect and wonderful and unique person you are, without having to change yourself to please anyone else, and I dearly hope that you live and love happily, and have a loving prosperous life, and find love, and marry a man someday, despite your circumstances. The fact that you have had the strength to live through, film and upload this is truly so admirable of you and i honestly admire and love you so much for this. Thank you so much for sharing your story, as I know it has helped me, to know that you can do it, and I'm sure it will help many others also. I love you so much, and think you are incredible, and wonderful, and I hope you have an incredible life. Good luck with the rest of your journey

It took my mom 8 years to fully be okay with my sexuality. She would tell me I was too young to have sex, that I should pray it away, that it was a phase, that I should just get a girlfriend and it'll change me, force me to go to church more, but all it did was make me do was respect her less and less. One day she was saying negative things about my sexuality and I snapped on her. It reached the climax when I came home from a christian convention that she had sent me to. One of the seminars was about homosexuality. The preacher said gays were going to hell and they were worthless. The moment I got home, I told her I didn't believe in god anymore because any deity who tells me my love is an abomination or lesser or perverse or what have you, is not a god I want to follow. She was pissed but a couple months later, she realized I was much happier when she stopped forcing me to go to church, and then gave me my space. Fast forward to the present; we still may not agree on a lot of things, but she's finally okay and accepting. It took a long time, but family can come around. There may be a long bumpy road, but it can get better. Calvin, I really hope your family comes around. Thanks for sharing.

Very moving indeed, I nearly shed a tear near the end. While I live the very open and diverse city of Liverpool in England, I'm still on the road to coming out to my friends. I've told my inner family but they're pretty neutral about it and have told me not to tell anyone, it's something that they choose not to talk about so I have to keep my thoughts to myself. Good luck for the future my friend and thanks for sharing this, you've helped a lot of people.

I came out in around 1979, when I wrote a letter to the editor concerning two boys that were kicked out of Disneyland for dancing together. I simply said that two women could, and do, dance together and no one thinks anything about it, but two guys, its bad. Wow, I got so many people writing the paper, they came to me to insure I responded, so I did. My family was split, most against my stance, some for, but no one asking if I was gay. Then the Editor asked me to write a final rebuttal, and gave me copies off four letters, and I was supposed to "hit a home run" for gay rights, so I drew facts from the gay library in Hollywood, and wrote the rebuttal saying simply that, as an American I took personal offense to their attitudes, as would the following, and listed 100 famous Americans. I got offered a job by the paper, as they felt gay rights was the final civil rights issue. They got it part right. I didn't take the job, came out to everyone, but no one seemed to care anymore. I have written a book on aspects of gay life, older and younger relationships, and, at 67, know it gets much better as you get older. Persevere and you will excel. Now, if I can just manage to get videos uploaded to my channel, I can help others, like you are. Love you, and all you do. corbpi

This made me cry, I'm so glad that you've come so far, especially with a family like the one you have. Stay strong Calvin

Really sorry to hear about your experience :( I find it hard to understand how parents can do that to their own children. It's like hitting a puppy, and the little pup can't understand why it's being punished. Stay strong bro, it sounds like you're pretty robust and you will thrive no matter what

I was just watching your video again, it's been a month since I watched it the first time. It's just so heart wrenching to hear your story about how your own family treats you. I don't know why supposed "Christians" are always the most judgemental of everyone. I know Jesus loves you and accepts you as you are and sees you as perfect and complete. That's the nature of God and forgiveness...salvation...ect. Don't ever change one bit. Your awesome and very inspirational to me and others. Your story gives me strength. Love is the key and that's what makes you strong and amazing. Even after being treated like you have been you still love your mom and family and that's just incredible. That's true Christianity and spirituality.!!!

Calvin, your story is so inspiring and I'm really glad you decided to share it. The world needs people like you, people who are strong enough to live through any bad experiences that may happen to them, who are brave enough to stand up for themselves and give others faith. I can only say I'm thankful to live in a world where people as amazing, beautiful and inspiring as you are exist. Much love xx

Thank you for sharing your story. Similar story, except my dad was dead before I came out. My mom ran me out of the house in the same way. I lived in my car for a couple of weeks, until my BF and I found a place to live. Always be true to yourself, it hurts when the family turns against you, my mom finally came around and we became closer. Be strong!

I came out to my mother and that was the biggest mistake of my life. The friends I had told that I was gay all supported me but she called me horrible things 'till this very day. My mother is the only bully in my life right now which breaks my heart because I needed her support the most. I'm now living with this but I don't know what to do. I feel shitty everyday and it's killing me inside.

It is so amazing to me that this boy's story is not unlike the experience of young boys from the 60's and 70's...I thought we were more advanced than this in this day and age...he may as well have been born in 1950 with the experience he has had.

I feel your pain Calvin. My family is very similar to yours when it comes to the subject of being gay. Comedy moment, I came out to my parents over a pork sandwich when my mother started yelling at me for stupid stuff and the subject came up. I was thrown out of the house, called and told so many things it hurts just thinking about it. Finally they told me I could come home if I "Prayed the Gay away" and I accepted. It was the worst feeling in my life having to stand there and tell them that I would "Change my ways". To this day they still believe that I prayed the gay away. My biggest regret is going back into the closet and if I could do it all over I probably would. No parent should make their child feel or go through what some of us have. A parents is supposed to love their child unconditionally, not make terms and agreements. Anyways, thank you for sharing! Don't take this the wrong way when I say I find it a relief to find someone who went through some of the same things I did when coming out. Many blessings to you and any boyfriend you are with!

Awww stay strong! You're amazing!

I don't know if you still read comments anymore but you are such a genuinely brave and strong human being, even though you have been threw alot you are still brave enough to tell nearly 100,000 people your story which is honestly amazing. I hope that your family will come around one day and you will be able to have a healthy relationship with them but until then dont sweat it if they won't except it they are missing out in having you in their lives. Stay strong Calvin:)

#HappyNationalComingOutDay Remember, only do so when you're ready and feel safe. You're brave and I hope the best for you. I'm happy this video has helped some of you out there. :) Much love, Calvin.

I'm scared of coming out because I know that when I do, my parents and most of family will react the same way as yours. I'm sorry for you, but I'm also glad that you're doing good now! And you are actually the first one that I see that doesn't have a good coming out experience, and I thank you for sharing that story.

A heart felt and brave video. I came out many years ago and had a, relatively (for the time) good experience. Your story explained to me why some find it so hard (but then, I have never lived in a small (religious) town). Anonymity in the city is easier, but doing it your way exposes some to something they wouldn't otherwise experience. Hopefully, after a few experiences, they may learn something! Stay strong! So pleased you could share this for those that follow us into a new and better life!

Literally crying right now. Thank you so much for doing this Calvin. I have struggled with this for years and it's hard because I recall myself as a Christian. I went to a church youth group for almost a year and I could tell I was being discriminated against. I feel like the preference might always be a struggle for me and that really, really scares me. But, seeing you being yourself and getting through it, gives me a little hope. Thank you for being yourself Calvin. You're such an inspiration.

You are just so cute and sweet. I can't imagine what you went through, I'm so sorry. I just want to give you a hug. Sounds like things are much better for you now and hope only the best for you.

The reaction of your family is atrocious, this is so sad. I don't understand how you managed to still talk to them, but they don't deserve this. At all. You're very, very brave, and I think you touch a lot of people by doing this. You're amazing ! Carry on, and thank you.

OMG im on the same Noah boat it suucks!!! i have christlike parents that i love but i have created this wall that i cant open up to them without being mad(its gotten easier). they love me and i know it but they will NEVER except the fact that i like guys... i feel ur pain its hard but im much happier after i told them. we have those dark times but i can always see the light at the end of the tunnel. I still have a personal relationship with jesus its not as stong as I hope it could be but it'll get better. your trully AWESOME im a 22 yr old that lives in texas and i've got mad love for you man. stay BOLD

Wow, this just hit me hard. My family is the same way as yours and that's the reason I haven't come out. It's getting hard though, to feel trapped, to feel lonely. Here I am really late at night just trying to find some understanding so thank you. Your story truly gives me strength. It's so hard to even write this because I don't see an end to my problems but I know that one day I won't be able to hide anymore. I just hope my family is even a little more understanding.

I just want to say it was a privilege to hear your story. Trust me in saying that your journey will resonate to anybody who is contemplating coming out. Even though the acceptance of family is important, nobody can take away your strength and courage if you don't get it. I can relate in that my father couldn't accept me. It has been a couple of decades and I am not sitting and waiting for that to happen. Life is way too short.

LOVED this and its very inspirational!! It DOES get better!

Oh, you have had the worst experience, you're so strong despite it. People don't understand how difficult it is to go against everything you've ever been taught and everything you've ever known because you don't fit in with that ideology! I wish you all the best in the future, stick to your guns, you will make the world a better place I'm sure of it! :)

my heart goes out to you, i can relate to everything you just said. just be strong and know that even if our parents can't accept us, we can choose to accept them and their limitations.

Religion is such a strong force - it can give hope, it can destroy. If it is there for good or for bad very much depends on the people who handle this force. Your circumstances were not easy but I think you made the best out of it. Respect.

It's very sad to see that this sort of stuff still happens. Glad you got through it!

Calvin, you are an amazing human being. While your story is tragic, your resolve and ability to get back up when knocked down is extremely admirable. You certainly didn't deserve the reaction you received but to get back up after that is incredible. Thank you for sharing this with the world. Every coming out video I watch makes me that much more comfortable with being gay. Again, thank you.

Your story is so inspirational but also so sad. Attitudes in the U.S. are much improved since I was young, but you remind us that not every teen today has an easy road to come out. All I could think while watching this is "Whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger." I'm now a subscriber and wish I could be your friend.

You are such a great person and I respect you so much.

I loved this video because it was so genuine. Not all coming out stories end well. It's awesome when they do, and fortunately it's getting better all the time but it's important to not delude yourself into thinking it's always going to end well. Frankly, I'm appalled at your treatment by your supposedly 'loving' parents. Clearly their attitude is dictated by their religion which just goes to prove how dangerous all religions are in one aspect or another. I wish I could confront them both so I could give them a piece of my mind. But on the upside, you seem to be a healthy, normal, young man, who is comfortable in his own skin now, and I applaud your courage through all of this. Know that we've got your back and your family doesn't deserve a son as great as you. Cheers and best wishes.

Also remember that "Family" is also defined as people who love and support you.... Just because you are not blood related does not make them less family. You are very brave Calvin, i think stories like yours are more helpful than the "Sun Shine Stories" Sadly, Not all of us have amazing parents.

Thanks for having the courage to be yourself and share your story - even though (or, especially since) it's not all rainbows and unicorns like a lot of the stories on RU-vid. You are a great example for those of us who have had rough experiences with our relatives. Keep your heart open to your family, but don't make excuses for people who are mean-spirited and willfully ignorant. They lose out by not sharing in your life.

Aww you're a beautiful person. No one deserves that kind of treatment from their family or anyone else. Best of luck for the future.

Just a horror story, what a shame but what a character builder for yourself. This was hard to watch but very much necessary and informative. I'm 71 and it would have been impossible to come out in the 50,s all the strength to you and hope many more watch this. thanks it didn't sound easy for you.

Really inspiring. You went through, what appears, a really difficult "coming out". It could inspire so many people that have a very strong Religious Family and are fearful of telling their family. You are an amazing guy, be strong and even if it was difficult and there are times where it isn't easy for you (with the family situation), just remember you have your friends and subscribers here to support you!

Your story is heartbreaking, I hope things are better with your family today. Acceptance was never an issue for me and I came out in the '70's. Much love and happiness. ❤️

This video really spoke to me and I was truly shocked by some of your experiences. I respect you for making the decisions that you have made with your family and everything, and I wish you the best.

Be brave, sweetheart - there are those who throw names at us and they are the ones who need help and who are actually the ones who have been indoctrinated. Love yourself and keep growing as you've done. I came out in the 70s in South Australia and on national TV. There are some who haven't coped to this day - but they are the the ones who have not shared in all the joy and love and beauty that I found in the hearts of a great many more accepting and truly wonderful people. They are my true family and not those who, despite parenting me have lost the son they could have loved. Never fear - we all admire and love you. Thanks for your Video.

Thank you Calvin! Love is unconditional, so it is clear to me that your family doesn't love you, but they certainly have lost an opportunity in rejecting you. I can see that the names you were called are still hurting you; please look in the mirror and give yourself the love you have been denied. Your compassion for your family is really a good lesson for all of us, and, in the long run will win you respect and help you heal. A very good video from a brave person helping others to live better.

I love that take the time to tell us some of your personal experiences, we all have hard things that we go through. My coming out experience sounds very similar. When I came out, my parents are very religious, so they had a hard long talk to me about it. They wanted me to change who I was and. Your schooling through high school sounds so awful and I'm so sorry for that. I've never had a first boyfriend. And how your best friend first reacted is basically how my whole family is. I have people that call me names at work, but most of them were really accepting. Thank you for sharing your experience! It really helps others come out too.

You made me cry here. Not fair! I thought my coming out in an evangelical family was tough. Your story made mine look like a tea party. The sad part for me is that this happened to you in the 21st century. I came out in 1982. I know things get better, but these sad stories continue. I created my life 3,000 miles away from my family. They're accepting and all, but it's been an emotional roller coaster. I wish you all good things. No one deserves the treatment you received. You're a very strong man.

Thank you so much for posting this. As you said there are so many videos on youtube about guys coming out and having an easy-going experience. It was so enlightening and inspiring to hear you talk about your personal experience. I know it's quite possibly futile but I hope your family can one day see you for who you are and accept you to some degree cause you deserve at the very least that. You're one courageous dude :)

You make us all proud ! Sending lots of love your way !

You know what Calvin? I am very proud of you! I had a similar experience some time ago and my mom and i have a very good relationship even though we can not speak about my personal life! As for my father, we try to make baby steps for him to accept me. Stay strong, believe in yourself and enjoy giving and receiving love with the people you really want to! I send you all my love and support. G

I lost my mom, 6 years ago. And even though I told her I was gay she died thinking I was going threw a Phase....My mother's nievity made me a lot happier, your mom sound's like she need's a good kick up the ass. It's 2013 not 1913.....but don't let anyone get you down....not even family....be the person you are....brave, sensitive, and adoreable....keep safe kiddo....

Sorry to hear what you had to go through. Remember that you don't need validation from bad people who ditched you when you needed them the most. That's just how they keep themselves in power over you.

watching this video moved me in a way i can't really explain. i'm Bi and am fully out now, and i do consider myself relatively lucky because i had the support of close friends during my time of need. i am completely open about my sexuality at school and most people i've come across have been fine with it, those that mattered were fine with it. i do relate to you in the way that i grew up in a very religious household, my parents are quite narrow-minded people, unfortunately. me and my dad have never spoken a word about this topic to this day, and i honestly would prefer it that way. it was one of the most difficult things telling my mom, and although she definitely had a much better response in comparison to your mother, she didn't exactly take it well either. i honestly don't think she ever will... and it's hard thinking about that, things like this are hard to accept. which is why i admire you so much for still being able to love your mom even after all thats happened, because i know that i wouldn't be able to do the same... i know i've written so much but i'd be really grateful if you could post a response? thanks

HI Calvin! :) It's my first time watching you and I usually don't do this but I just wanted to thank you for sharing your coming out story online. It takes a lot of courage to do so and I hope one day your family can truly love and accept you for who you are. I know it'll take time, but know that you've got our back! You just got yourself a new subscriber! Haha. Keep it up. :3

Hi Calvin, Nice job giving your story. I'm sure that it has helped many people and will help more as time goes on. Many people are caught up in situations like you were and feel hopeless. Not only do they not always fully understand why they are gay but then to have judgmental "friends/family" members turn on them is so disheartening. Adding the component of trying to follow the Lord add's to the pressure. Anywho... thank you for working through it, and even being able to understand those that should have shown love to you. That says a lot about your character. You call your video "mopey and blah," I thought it was very heartfelt. "Some" people watching will know firsthand what you went through and will draw strength from it. Thanks.

Hi saw you on camcameras channel and your coming out story is closer to my own than many others on youtube. Thanks for sharing. Not every family is supporting and caring unfortunately . Growing up in a Evangelical Christian home with a certain set of beliefs makes it hard to reconcile the things you are taught and how things are in real life. I'm glad that you were able to find yourself and a support system with friends.

Calvin, your story reminds all of us that the experience of discovering who you are and coming out isn't the same for everyone. Most of the support tends to be concentrated in the big cities and blue states and there are still a lot of young people like you who don't have a supportive environment. That's why you being courageous enough to post your story and be out is so vitally important to those who don't live in a family or go to a school or live in a town that is accepting. Cheers to you!

Very important story. You went through very very rough times and many can relate. It is of immense value. So sorry you had to go through all that and that, much of it (family) is still unresolved (in difference to other many video stories out there - hence it’s importance). You braved through courageously. Thank you for sharing.

Omg I'm so sorry you had to deal with so much of other people's baggage in your coming out process. You handled that with such amazing strength! Much love to you!

Calvin , you should be very proud of yourself ! the coming out process is not easy for the majority of us , yes , there are many great and envious stories we get to hear but we don't get to choose our families and how they react and treat us ? your opinion of who you are is more important than what anyone else thinks , including your parents . I hope you are in a better place with your parents ( although i'm guessing not by the sadness in your voice when you talk about them ?) Always remember to love yourself , when that happens it makes it easier for someone else to love you as well . Good luck in all you do . thanks for posting and your honesty .

*hug* wow, that was a lot to deal with. :/ I thought I had it tough coming from my Christian family, but what you had to go through was kinda insane. It really sucks when your family isn't supportive and having to keep an entire portion of your life away from them. I know what you mean about being jealous of some youtubers who are ridiculously attractive, well off, and have amazing, supportive families that could care less about them being gay... (I'm the same way about sharing with my family as well. I announced by engagement and got likes and comments from lots of friends and family, but none from my brother and I knew that I couldn't share it with my parents, even though I was ridiculously happy...and it really sucked...)

I cannot even imagine how tough it was for you... I'm proud of you and of the fact that you still love your mum, I hope one day she realizes her mistake and what she's been missing out. I hove everything's going well :)

After hearing your story I just want to give you a hug for being strong and pulling through when you didn't have a lot of support from your family. You keep being you!

from all the coming out videos ive watched this far this one is the nearest to how my story goes, i also grew up in a very Christian family i never had a boyfriend but also because my mom doesnt accept it really shes meh with it we dont talk about it. so i totally understand how you feel and this video brought back a few emotions thats heart touching.

Calvin, I just happened on your vlog and I'm so glad that I did. Btw, just had to subscribe! Thank you for sharing your story. You are such an admirable young man who God loves very much and He is proud of you. Please know that your story is an inspiration to many and that your forgiveness and patience with your parents' attitude shows the kind of heart that you truly have. I hope that they will one day learn from you the true meaning of Christianity. I'm like, three times your age, but hearing your story brought back all of the similar experiences that I had in school. It's so disappointing that the bullying is still prevalent. But here you are on the other side of all of that. Bravo!! Though you have to keep moving forward with your own life, I know how sad it is to not be able to share your joys and your life with your family. It's been a while since you posted, but if you're still having trouble, and the problem seems to be with their misunderstanding of SO much of the Bible and our faith, please take the time to check out a couple of websites. One is "Would Jesus Discriminate?", which has a slew of sermons by their gay, partnered Reverend Jeff Miner. Additionally in the Episcopal church we had an openly gay, partnered bishop, Gene Robinson, who has some awesome presentations on RU-vid. So check him out as well. I'm sure that you're also aware of the Gay Christian Network, which may be of some help in breaking through the barriers some of your family has. Anyway, sorry for the long novel, but I wanted to let you know how valuable and important you are to so many. Sending you love and prayers for a wonderful, happy and fulfilling life. You deserve it! God's peace.

Thank you Calvin for your authenticity in your story. I am 27 and your experience is eerily close to mine and the reason I don't feel comfortable being fully open and honest with my family. I've reconciled my faith and sexuality but my family is very religious and I'm scared of the possible rejection, the shame and guilt they'll force upon me and how different our relationships will be. I see it eat away at me and deteriorate my well-being not feeling like I can be fully open with everyone. Your story however helps me to realize I am not the only one with this experience and helps me to know when I am ready, whatever happens I'm not alone and I'll make it out in one piece no matter how bruised and battered.

Thanks for your video. I got outed when I was in California. I was very involved in a church growing up too. I came out to my family and feel I have been the past 2 years. I got locked out for 2 days and basically disowned because of their Mormon beliefs. The emotional abuse and lack of acceptance for my boyfriend has been really hard. Thanks for your video, it comforts me to know that you also had a rough time. I am not sure I want to visit for Christmas. I hurt so much inside. I feel that I may never be able to share my joy with them. Thanks for showing the world that it is Very Hard to come out and comes at Great Sacrifice. I love my boyfriend for supporting me. I hope there comes a time when our type of Love will be viewed as Love.

We have similar backgrounds except I always did, and still do, feel more comfortable hanging with guys. When I realized I was gay I didn't have anyone I could tell, although in retrospect, I think many of my classmate knew about me. I never did come out to my parents but I think they also figured it out because I never dated girls. I was lucky that my family isn't religious, so I didn't have to deal with that. I hope you have many loving friends, as I do.

Hi Calvin. I just want to say that you are an incredible human being. I am so sorry that you had such a negative coming out experience but I'm a big believer that everything happens for a reason. This will, and probably has, made you a very strong person. You have given me and countless of other people inspiration to just accept who they are. Times are changing, and fast. I am privileged that I was able to see this at a time when I and so many other people need more people like you in the world. Stay strong Calvin. Love from England.

Calvin.... Great video. Thanks for sharing. Sorry your coming out didn't go so well. It broke my heart when you said the way your mom treated you. You seem like a great guy. Hope things are better in 2015. God dose love you. Don't let anyone tell you diffrently. Please keep staying positive. Lot more people accept you then don't. Stay positive my friend. God bless.

Thanks for sharing your story

I know that you recorded this a long time ago, but thank you. Thanks for helping others. I hope your life today is going well. Sending a hug your way!

Hi Calvin, thanks for sharing your story! The few I've seen all had happy endings, like their family just accepted straightaway. I have been contemplating coming out recently as a Bisexual, because I have decided to get baptised and I didn't want to have to hide anything. However, I CANNOT imagine what reaction my family will have, especially my dad who never believed the idea of being born gay and I didn't want him to use bisexuality to be his "evidence" that it's a passing phase for me or something. God bless and stay strong! Big thanks for this vid, really

Well I am an older guy and also straight... but my heart went to my throat listening to your coming out story! It is sad to listen all the things you've went through with your family and friends ...Especially your mom! I am not sure why your video came up in the list of suggestions - perhaps because I've been watching videos about religion but it is really sad that someone who believe in God can actually treat he's child like that. There are many things you've said that I can relate to! Relationships, disappointments,family acceptance, best friends that are just ...different and not quite understanding somehow - we have a lot in common even though you are younger then me. Well, I am sad now that I watched your video...but I hope and I feel that am a bit better person too ...and for that I thank you! Hope you find happiness and that one person in life that can mean everything for you!

You add a complimentary view to those who had positive experiences..Bravo..you prepare some for the family difficulties that are a real potential when orientation is announced. May you prosper and be happy..you have endured! :) Jack

Hey, Calvin! Thanks for sharing your story! I'm 18 and I was raised in a really conservative catholic household and that is good because taught me a lot of good things but also really bad because I, eventually, will have to leave my family because they just won't accept me for who I am! I'm really not ready to leave them and I don't know if I'll ever be! I'm so tired of not being able to be myself with people and always afraid of people finding out all my secrets (there's not a second in my day that I don't feel stressed...)! I really don't know what to do... Thanks for your videos! Bye! Peace!

I have literally just been moved to tears by this incredibly brave sharing of you're experiences. It brought a lot of memories back for me and I think you're putting this out there is a very selfless and positive thing to do. If any other young gay, bi or questioning men see this then it may help them to see that they are not alone in feeling the fear and confusion. I was one of the lucky ones with my family, but you still suffer the emotions. I'm 30 and happy! Thank you and take care :) x

I completely and utterly understand and sympathize with your past... It has been almost the exact same for me. I just... haven't been able to come out yet. I tried to once, and it didn't go well, so I've been letting my parents believe that I'm straight. I have military training starting in July, and then afterwards I'm moving in with my boyfriend. It's not going to go well with my parents, especially since they're only going to know just before I move away. I'm most likely going to be disowned, etc... I just can't be around them anymore... and it's another, what, 5 months before I head out to training. I'm a Christian as well. It's just.. well, I'm being mentally and emotionally abused daily at home. Every day I live in fear that my parents will find out, because I'm in a serious, dedicated relationship, and well... they would cut me off from everything. They're extremely traditional... and I'm just afraid of what will happen if they find out before I turn 18 in a few months. When I tried to come out earlier on, I wasn't allowed to have friends, I wasn't allowed on the computer.. I was literally just sitting in my room and listening to music if I wasn't at school. Complete isolation from... everything. And my mom did the same as yours did, but to a much more intense level. Later on, once the whole "gay" thing had died off and I really did spend a year and a half trying to pray and do whatever I could to get God to change me... He never did, so I've been convinced that this is right, plus He sent me the most amazing, sweet boyfriend in the world. Without this guy I don't know what I'd do. I'm just really scared and I'm trying to wait it out... 6 months till I see my boyfriend, and then another 2 months of training, and then I'm moving in with him. If I can't get my parents to send me my stuff, I'll only have a few pairs of clothes and whatever items I have on me from training when I move. I'm going either way... but I might lose almost everything I own in the process. Sorry about all that, I just needed to vent... this has been weighing really heavily on me recently. Thank you so much for your videos, and thank you for this video especially. Wish you luck with your life and everything you do :3

Thank you Calvin for sharing this story. It's obvious coming out was a very hard time for you but also obvious your beautiful nature has buoyed you through. I'm sure this video has helped many others have strength during their hard times

hey calvin, you're a really brave dude, keep move on !! :D All people do not accept you as you are, they just don't deserve you and about your familly and church too Never forget that ''God is mercy and forgiveness! he loves all the children, you're a child of god'' Thks to share this moment of your life!! you're a sweet guy, full of love and compassion !! bye take care calvin!! PS: i'm sorry for the english, i'm french so not always easy to write with no errors!! :D

Wow, you live in such a different world...."elders of the church ", "pray the gay away".......this really is a weird USA world. But you seem solid and strong.....and that is an achievement in the circumstances. I hope now in 2016 you are doing well and found happiness.

Calvin I am sorry you went through that with your mom. I pray you are doing much better now.

I love you so much Calvin. I cried watching this. I want to hug you. So inspired.

This is a good video, Thanks for sharing your experience.

You tell your coming out story showing respect to your family, and I find it remarkable. It shows your maturity. It's beautiful. Wish you the best ! I have the impression that you deserve it. :)

Calvin, first I just want to hug you and tell you that you are loved very much. My 16 year old is gay and I love him very much, he didn't come out to me I actually outed him, he has 4 brothers all older and they all love him just as much as before, he has a boyfriend who we have all accepted as part of our family as his family is similar to yours where they think he can be fixed. Calvin the one thing I would really like to say to you is that there is a lot more love and support for you than you realise, I have just come across your channel and know that you're a special person and beautiful young man and an inspiration to others, I don't care whether you gay or straight you are just a beautiful person who deserves the best in life like everyone else.

Thank you so much for sharing this Calvin! This might give me the courage to come out myself.. Much love xo

I just watched you video and it made me cry , im 40 year old and was brough up to belive that being gay was dirty , I even got married and have a nine year old son who I love very much , but deep down inside I always knew I was gay , you dont become gay your born gay and despite everything I have tried to do im still gay , I wanted to thankyou for making this video , you have a great famly with lots of love and support , well done for doing what you believed was the right thing to do , I wish you all the happyness in the world everyone deserves that no matter st8 gay or what ever you are , thi gs have got better in the 10years . We can only hope it gets better . Xx

Thank you for sharing this. When I was younger I too prayed everyday to be accepted and in turn straight. When I came out to my parents they had no idea, my dad wanted to bring to his priest friend to set me straight but I'm so thankful my mom stood up for me. Most of my cousins accept me fully but as a kid I was bullied and heard nasty stuff all the time so it took its toll on me. But I am finally at a point in my life that I am so proud and will whole heartedly kiss my boyfriend. The loneliness and shame I once felt will never plague me again. #pride4life

thankyou for sharing this video Calvin, you are a very brave and honest young man! I have tears in my eyes for you.this can be a shitty world we live in but its such a better place with good men like you in it! I hope your family wake up and realise what they are missing by not embracing the whole you.i will subscribe now and follow your fun videos and wish you all the good things in life as after all you've had to endure you deserve it my friend!

Omg you are so cute! Stay strong! Andy.

You still are the same person who you were before coming out . Just know that you have a lot of support standing in your corner .

Hey Calvin, I'm really proud of you! And thanks for making this video, it really gave me a broader insight. I just wanted to say, I am Catholic but I do not believe that religion should interfere with our personal opinions and life style (as it should be accepting and flexible) - I hope one day, people will learn to accept the fact that we love who we love, no matter the gender because that shouldn't be an issue. Stay strong!

G'day Calvin, this is a great video. Do not remove it. I think it is important for others considering coming out to be able to see that although their family may not react positively to their sexuality they can/will still have a happy life surrounded by others who truly accept them for who they are. You are a very brave and inspiring guy.