My Coming Out Story In The Middle East 

Hey, I cant imagine how stressful it is to live in the middleeast while being gay. I applaud your bravery and thank you for sharing your story.

Matin is so funny. He takes life with humor and giggling through all his experiences. 😂😅

Thank you for sharing this story. My husband is from the Middle East and he is still not out to his family. He came to America to go to school as well and that's how we met. Live your best life and find a guy or girl, that treats you with respect and love and holds you number one in their heart.

The "Gay Best Friend." YUP. I grew up in the US, so it isn't illegal, but my family is EXTREMELY religious and abusive. It's shocking how little people care. Always being reduced to, "you know, the gay one." Thanks for sharing your story! It's nice to see you laugh through it ❤

As a Turkish, While watching the video, I thanked to Atatürk and secularism more.

Matin...you're a very brave man. Welcome to Canada, my friend. We need more men like you to make out country even greater. A fan from Canada...

Oh God Matin is soooooooo irresistibly cute!!!!!!!! The smiles, the goofiness, the cuteness, everything about him is so amazing... I melted into water! Love you Matin! From New York!!! Raj

My situation wasn't life threatening, but my parents handled it horribly for YEARS. And I love this comment section, you are so sweet and deserve to be protected!

You have an amazing story that needs to be shared with the Muslim, fundamentalist Christian, fundamentalist Jewish, and any other religious beliefs that condemn or deny us our God-given humanity. Kudos for making yourself a happy man. Be at peace.

Baby, can’t deny your cuteness of every giggle at the end of every sentence! 😍 Stay strong!

Totally appreciate your story. You are a very special guy.

I'm gay still in iran , and truly your story was in a way inspiring, im a highdchooler and i definitely understand what you went through, it's super hard to live here , especially when your friends call gay people disgusting to your face , so thank you for sharing your story cause by doing so , you give little gay Boys like me can feel semi represented, your awesome ❤❤ Merci❤

Hey I have a very similar experience as I also left my country (Saudi Arabia) and claimed asylum in the UK (finally got it after two years) during my asylum process I also came out to my family and put them in the same situation (you either accept me or I’m cutting ties) I understand how difficult it’s and you are very brave and I’m very proud that you’re finally able to be your authentic self and building your future while taking care of your mental health. Thank you for making this video and I hope it inspires others to do the same while also being safe. Best of luck to you and I wish you all the best ❤

Heyy I’m not sure if you’re gonna see this but as a Pakistani guy who comes from a conservative Islamic background I related to this so much it was so heartwarming and made me feel like I’m not alone ❤ thank you for that. Stay blessed Matin edit: thank you sm for the beautiful replies I truly feel loved in this safe space

You're such a good storyteller! Your little reactions are so adorable. Got me cracking up over here 😂

This popped up to me when i was really depressed thank u so much❤

Btw, your “SHY” smile is really cute and will melt someone’s heart :) really !!

You are a beautiful human being. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story!

Left islam and never have felt better in my life. I started to love myself again and threw away the rubbish islam installed upon me ❤❤❤

I happen to have a friend from Iran, as taboo as gay sex is, it is happening in Iran all the time, he was very pretty, and probably the reason he was sexually abused at age 12 by his uncle and his teacher and when he tried to speak to his mum about it , she just slapped him, and told him not to lie and never ever speak of it again ... this abuse continued for years, at age 18 He left the country and now live in UK... and sadly he has no contact with his family anymore! He told me this happens all the time under the nose of many parents and it is very common and expected in a sexually repressed country as Iran!

I grew up with a similar experience, in Texas. Texas is a very conservative and religious place. Sadly our experiences were very similar. I wish I had more friends like you back then. Now that I’m older I know who I am and make no excuses. Still deal with homophobia in my own family. But wanted you to know how very proud of you I am! BRAVO! You have a friend in me… Jon

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Matin. You come across as such a sweet soul and I hope the future remains bright for you.

We can't help but love you, too, with your infectious smile and laugh and your positive attitude. Thank you for being a voice for so many in countries that oppress the LGBTQ+ community.

you had a lot to overcome to get to where you are. I’m always proud of those who are as brave as you.🙌🏻

I am happy to hear young generation coming out being strong. Asia and Africa aren't easy societies because of religion. Keep up the spirit because God doesn't discriminate human beings do.

So proud of you, It is hard enough to be your full self, it is far more difficult when how you are and what you feel is forbidden. You are a beautiful soul

Oh my gosh, your journey to express yourself is an inspiring one. I also can relate to you in some sense regarding family, I grew up in a islamic household and my parents thinks of gay people like we are some brainwashed community that is unethical, everytime they preach it I'm just like🧍🏻‍♀. Thankfully I go to a more international/english speaking school so people are more open minded to this. Videos like this would always make me feel like I'm not alone, there are millions out there like us that has an unfair disadvantage in life just because we're different than the majority :( . I would always try to be grateful because I know people out there don't have even 1 support system in their life when it comes to this. As of now, there ain't no way I'm coming out to my family as of now, maybe way later in the future when I'm older and more financially stable so that I'd have my own independence . SO glad that I got recommended this video of yours ahhh!! I've been following you since your first video. Can't wait to see your channel grow Matin! ❤😁 Love from Indonesia!! 🫶

Total respect to you, Matin. You’re an inspiration.

Us gays living and born in the West just don’t understand or realise just how easy we have it. It irks me all the time just how we take it for granted and your story is just one of millions. It must take huge courage to come out in a country like yours and I’m so glad you’re here at the other side and clearly happy, well done!! ❤

You sound like a really positive hearted person despite hardships or dangerous situations... wish you a wonderful and fulfilling life.

Same here. Struggle between being a Muslim and being true to myself. Decided to become both and live happier. I feel your struggle during the closeted phase. You said a few words about it but I know it was a constant struggle to pretend. Glad you came to terms with it. 🎉🎉🎉

Your story is awesome, and people like you are changing the world for the better. I am so happy that you came through all of this safely.💜

You tell your story so beautifully! With humour and lightness for a life growing up as a young man in Iran not always so easy! Bravo! And enjoy your life in Canada.

Wow, I'm so sorry that you had a challenging coming out experience. But it's so beautiful that you even have a bit of a sense of humor about some of those experiences. It shows that those experiences don't have control over you. I'm so happy that you're able to live openly and truthfully now. :) Best wishes.

Thank you for sharing your story. It’s so good your family still support you and haven’t disowned you. I’m a muslim gay guy but not out, i’m 35 and still in the closet! Wishing you all the best ❤

your story is so so important and i’m really happy you felt comfortable enough to share it! 🫶🏻 i’m a lesbian who’s currently in high school, and even though i grew up in a traditionally accepting state in the US, i’m from a small, conservative town. i’ve never been physically hurt for my sexuality, but i’ve been followed, verbally harassed, and called slurs a lot. one of my parents isn’t supportive but im still so greatful my coming out wasn’t that hard compared to others ❤💕🧡

I’m glad you’re finally in a different, safer and more respectful environment. You deserve to be happy and free. You’re so cute and a real jewel! 😉

I send all my love and support to all the LGBT people of the world ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 You all are important and very valuable even though we live in a world that makes you all believe otherwise. Remember always be proud of who you are 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 You all make from this world a better place ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 LGBT people are a rainbow of love in a world full of hate, but with difference of our straight partners, we all are united over a same flag 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 The flag of LGBT love ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 And we all must be united against hate, violence, discrimination and intolerance ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 We all are like a great family and we must fight to destroy hate ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 Remember, LGBT people is love and love always wins ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 I don't care about your race, nationality, biological gender, health condition, religion or any other condition ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 If you are an LGBT person you have all my love and my support ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 You guys are not alone in this fight and all the LGBT people of all over the world needs to understand this messagge, cause just united we will win against hate and we don't have to allow that nothing divide us. Never feel bad of who you are and never allow that this cruel world change who you really are or turn off your light and your shine ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 You all born that way and remember LGBT people of all the world, at the end, love always wins ❤🧡💛💚💙💜

LOVE YOUR STORY MATIN...IM HAPPY YOU HAVE PROGRESSED AND IN A MUCH BETTER SITUATION❤❤❤❤❤❤

What a beautiful man! So glad you made it out of Iran safely!!

You are one of the cutest guys I have ever seen. Love the content.

Iran has lost a national treasure; Canada has gained one. This is the advantage of liberalism.

So happy you are in a safe welcoming country. 🏳‍🌈(You have a great way of telling a story. I love the little crack-ups!)

Powerful story and journey. You have come a long way in a short time. I like the fact you shared about being gay in the Middle East and the impact it has on people. Your story is powerful. Thank you for sharing. I assume Canada is your new permanent home. I hope so...

Just got to 2:34 "me when i get home" "hairy men kissing" i just have to point that out cuz same LMAOOOOOOO

You expressed yourself so clear. I'm so sorry about every bad moment that you have experienced. But as we can see it couldn't stop you to survive and take your life back. At the same time i am so happy to listen you again. You are inspiring people who want live his own journey. I feel your support and energy. You deserve the best! 💙

This is such a brave story … he’s also very cute 🥰 Best of luck to you 😊

You are a very smart and caring young man. What you are doing is helping others around the world to know they are not alone, and your advice will save lives. Thank you for being honest and sharing your story. By the way, I had to make the decision to cut some of my family members and friends out of my life when I came out, too. It seems harsh, and is by no means an easy decision, but it is ultimately the right decision. No person, even your father, should be allowed to cause you shame and misery. Be proud of who you are to everyone. I'll be proud of you, too.

My heart is warmed that you made it to Canada and you seemed to have distanced yourself away from much of the past pain..

Very brave, Matin! 🌈 🙌🏼 We all use that “curious” excuse, for sure 😅 Had similar experiences, the str8 jerks that bullied me in school would also, I would learn later, have “group activities” together! Like, how hypocritical! Hetero guys are just so repressed, and detached, from expressing their emotions in healthy, non-condescending environments so much that they project their own struggles onto others! It took me many years to come to terms with that and learn forgiveness.

I'm a much older guy, and just by chance came across your video (I was actually looking at videos about chateaux, so how this popped up I don't know! LOL). Anyway, you just seem like such a nice guy, and you gave excellent advice for people in unaccepting countries. I hope everyone that is in your previous situation can follow that advice and get where they are safe. I was fortunate, I came out over 45 years ago, and my family was accepting. But, I've known too many people who had horribly non-accepting families. Anyway, thank you for your video, it was very sweet, and I wish you well.

You are amazing....keep on being your authentic self. Much love and support!

I absolutely respect your story and you are an amazing person. Very cute too! X

Thank you for sharing your story ☺️ I hope your life in Canada is FABULOUS 😃

Thanks for sharing your story: I admire your courage and your articulateness.

13:55 , I’m super grateful how accepting my upbringing was when I came out in 2014. Living in United States, Florida it was safe for me to be openly gay and watching your video really it put things in perspective.

It's always so moving when someone finally decides that they LOVE themselves and that that feeling and realization is more important than living in the box that your church or your family is projecting onto you. It took me until age 27 to finally realize my life was for ME to live (grew up in heavily Catholic family and also at the time when there were no gay role models and gay simply equaled dying of AIDS in most people's minds). I know 2-3 people now, TODAY, in American in 2023, in California, in their late 30s, still not comfortable coming out to and potentially losing family, all because of, you guessed it, Religion. It just hurts me and makes me almost cry - I just want to convince them life is soooooo much better on the other side once you claim your adulthood and create boundaries. Thanks for your beautiful words - so many gems in here. There's a lot of work to do, all over the world.

Alles Liebe und Gute aus Deutschland!!! 🥰

I'm a spoiled American just now realizing the insane necessity of becoming fluent in a foreign language just to come out the closet safely. I'm very sorry that you had to lose your community and culture just to feel safe being yourself. This world is very cruel to LGBTQIA people and as you said, some people in other parts of the world have it so much worse. Thank you for sharing your story and your bravery.

I'm gay and my parents is Homophobic and I didn't tell them that na I'm gay Muslim 😢

Just stumbled on this by accident. I can't believe how handsome you are. Also, you seem intelligent and kind. I hope that you are now living somewhere safer than Iran and where you are loved. Looking forward to watching more of your videos and learning about you!

I can’t even imagine going through this… I haven’t had a single family member who didn’t support me and love me regardless. I really wish more people had it like I did, breaks my heart a bit because it’s just the bare minimum, but what so many people go their whole lives missing and needing.

You’re so brave ❤

you are perfect just the way you are

God bless you,you are a very strong man🇦🇺🤓

Chris, you are great, keep doing what you are doing and and be safe. Chris you are beautiful, a hansome man with lots of love and affection. God bless you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, Claude😊😊

I know loads of Iranian people. Its strange they are super religious in Iran but then come to London and party.

Matin, you are making a difference for the community. I have been reading post after post of men who are looking for some kind of guidance and support and for now, you are that person. I love you to pieces. ♥️🌏🌍🌎♥️

It’s remarkable that you have survived all this and while still inside Iran. I am happy for you I have heard some awful stories about this from Islamic countries which they are all really sad.

Enjoy your sence of humor and smile Martin.

Thanks for speaking out. I am sorry you had such a tough journey, but I'm glad you found some support from friends and family eventually. You have a great smile, too. Very handsome.

I like the way that guy speaks 🤩

Luckily, not only is live in the middle-east which is one of the prettiest places in the world, i live in israel, which is very western and lgbtq+ open ❤ Your video was very inspiring! I hope if someone sees this and feels alone, youre not and i wish u the best! At the and of the day, how can we love others if we cant love ourselves? ❤

Young man, you are beautiful inside and out. God bless you.

Although not a Muslim, I still feel and understand the trauma you experienced earlier in your life. I’m a mature gay man who was closeted, married to my ex wife for 42 years, and came out to her and to my kids last July, and divorcing last January ‘24. The transition and associated loneliness can never be predictable. Your story on survival and thriving now gives me hope to my own future. Thank you.

You're very brave Matin, thanks for sharing your story! I'm a gay guy in his mid 40ies and although I'm European, I was also growing up in very conservative, homophobic circumstances in the 90ies. Not in the way that my life was in danger, but with a lot of exclusion and bullying if being publicly gay. We've come a long way too, Today things have changed a lot for the better, but I still remember that feeling of "keeping that secret" for me until my early 20ies and coming out to my conservative family took a couple of years. All the best to you! Btw, you're extremely cute.

What a wonderful man you are! Such excellent advice for those in countries with awful draconian laws. And how heroic your own fight to free yourself from a place like that. It's a true inspiration that you're not only eloquent, generous, and intelligent, but also as handsome as men ever get to be. Thank you for sharing your inspirational story. The hope you give will save lives.

I remember taking an am I gay test as a kid and it told me I was 100% gay... but I wasn't ready to break down those closet doors yet so I was like nope it surely isn't true 😆

Matin, you're very handsome and with a kind soul. Be good to ALL people, take the "high road" always, stay true to your values and best wishes for much happiness in life. Gay Jeff from NYC.

I totally relate to you and it breaks my heart that people like you and me live in these kind of worst islamic countries where we can't even live freely as who we are thus we end up hiding our true selves and pretend to be someone else.I am trying my best to leave the islamic country where i live as soon as possible and live in a country where i can find people like myself and live my life freely and happily because everyone deserves to live their life as who they are.Sending love and hugs to anyone who is going through the same experience. I hope you finally find peace in your life and live your life freely and happily as who you truly are.

Every one is lived by God , some are haters drinking hater aid by the gallons and that’s wonderful to live your self. 💯❤️👏

It's sad how they don't understand the fact that we didn't choose to be like this. It just came naturally to us. I'm bisexual, and so many people still misunderstand my sexuality. There were nights where I cried my heart out, praying to God to turn me straight because I did not want to disappoint my family, but also because I'm afraid of all the critisms I might face from other people. Thankfully, I have come out now too. And to be totally honest, you can never be truly happy unless you actually accept who you are as a person because all this time you're just lying to yourself. And that's not okay. But I do understand the people who can't afford to come out because of their personal circumstances and of course, at the end of the day, it's their choice. But I wish and long for a world where everyone could be free to express who they really are without a care in the world and just be content about what they are as a person. P.S. I'm happy for you and appluad you for your bravery. Also, you're very cute. 😂

Very nicely said. I am glad you are safe. Thank you, Canada.

Thank you for sharing your story. I'm loving the positive energy in the comment section as well.❤

Handsome Matin, I'm so glad you found your community in Canada and are free to be you. You are charming, sexy, and a great communicator. For all you've been through and continue to have a positive attitude, you have earned my true respect! Your a good guy who deserves the best.

I don’t know how I stumbled on this video, but I love it and I love the way you present it. Coming out is different for everyone. Welcome to the gay club!

You are a beautiful young man. Congratulations on getting out of such an oppressive country and for setting a healthy boundary for your family. One piece of advice: Have that difficult conversation with your father - even if it goes as badly as you fear, it's better than living a lie with him.

You're adorable! I'm glad your video popped up in the algorithm cuz I really enjoyed watching it. New subscriber here! I am so glad that you are out of Iran and lead a free life as who you are and can talk about this with smile on your face. Wish you much happiness! Funny you mentioned Mormon. I am an ex-Mormon. Liberated!! :)

I'm a lesbian and proud! I've always been open, and my family and friends are cool about it! Lots of love and support for you dear!

Sweet, bright and handsome, with a dash of mischievousness! How adorable is that! Showers of flowers upon your heart boy loveliness, wherever you are, today, each day, forever and always. From a secret fan in London UK ❤

This is such an enlightening video! I’m not middle eastern or religious at all. Just a black not from Jersey lol. Hearing your story and reading the comments that are similar to your story. My heart goes out to you one sin the comments who have to stay in the closet for fear of your life. It’s absolutely terrible what religion can do to the mind, where it can make you even kill your own family member over something like their sexuality. So cruel and saddening. I wish you all have a way to live the life you want even if that means having to live in another country. ❤️🔥🙏🏽

This will help so many of our community find the strength and courage to find a way through which seems like a tunnel with no light at the end. Also, you're cute as heck. Great video

You are a beautiful man in every way. ❤ Thank you for sharing.

I've cried too many times reading stories about people who face such extreme oppression because of their sexuality. Especially the ones where they'd rather kill themselves than be who they are. I hope everyone who's got a similar story to Matin stays strong, stays safe and can one day live and love how they were born to.

I am so proud and to commend you for being so strong minded. The funny side of you is hilarious. 😘😘😘😊

I met a good friend on Facebook from Syria who was living in Jordan. He was a doctor and was planning on immigrating to Canada. We used to have long chats and then suddenly out of the blue he didn't answer messages and then his account was deleted. I've always wondered if he was harmed or whether it was just a personal decision. Hopefully, he got to Canada and was able to start a new life.

Amazing story, and this comment section is so heart warming. Love and happiness to you all ❤x

Wow you are adorable

Thanks fully Being gay is legal in India 🙏 love from India ❤

Matin… I stumbled across your video & I was so impressed by your coming out story. I live in the US and I cannot imagine how difficult it must’ve been for you to come out in your country. You should be very proud of yourself. I have so much admiration for you. Please post more videos. You are an inspiration.❤️