I’m so proud of you Mckenzie! I’m so happy for you and that you’re comfortable in your own skin ❤️ It’s even more special that you’re willing to use that confidence to help others.
Being Southern Baptist from Alabama means you’ve clawed your way out of a super oppressive culture pit. From personal experience, I think it adds more depth and character to our lives. We struggled to think for ourselves in a world of sheep until we found our own good path. Congratulations my friend!
You have just done one of the most difficult things in life. It seems to me that you will now have much success making friends and processing relationships. Good luck and happiness to you
Kevin N. Saisi I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
What you have done is a very hard thing and i am in the same situation with church and Christianity so you are very brave and heroic and I am very proud of you. Stay strong.
Thanks a lot, McKenzie, I appreciate and adore each and everyone of these coming out videos. You live in the south, you live in a religious family, and yet the urge to come out was strong enough for you to take the risk, to be and to become yourself and happy. That makes me happy too. I have no idea where that result comes from, but it inspires me in a deep way. Best wishes from Germany, Martin
Martin Voswinkel I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Mckenzie, you are handsome and amazing! Great video. I love your honesty and compassion in giving people hope and a perspective of feeling better once they come out, and can be who they are. Thank you!
Ian Tovey Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
This is great! Your story, like many others, shows that there is no one way to be gay, and that personality does not equal sexuality. You are you, and the you that you are happens to be gay. And that’s great. I’m glad that you have found acceptance and happiness in being out, and that your story will help others who feel like they are the only ones like them to know that they are not alone.
I’m confident my dad knew as well as my siblings, my mother I know always suspected. But the day my mother confirmed it we were laying by the pool (this was 1978) and she just straight up asked me “are you gay” ? I was on a float in the pool, neither of us looking at one another. I just said YES. She paused and said “the one time I wished you’d lied” we didn’t talk for a week. She was just concerned for my happiness and safety more than anything. She passed in 2010 I think of her every day. She was my hero.
McKenzie, sharing your story like this is such a tough thing to do, but I know it’s great for people considering coming out to hear from someone like you who is close to their age. All people who are gay aren’t the same. We don’t all participate in the same activities, we don’t look the same, sound the same etc. I hope that you are still as happy as the day you filmed this. Always be the best you that you can be and surround yourself with positive people and a positive environment. Hugs to you.
Jemai_ Burwell I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Hey Mckenzie, Just wanted to say that took a lot of courage to post. Here I am a 40 year old man, and even though just a few members of my family know, its still hard of getting the courage to publicly to come out to the rest of my family and friends, living in a small community. I agree, I should live my life for me, and not for other peoples plan. But stilled scared of what the out come will or would be after I publicly came out. I would like to post a story like you did to get the information out there. And just say, this is who I am, and I'm going to live my life for me and make my life happy. And if they don't like it, that's there own problem. But again, still afraid of what the aftermath may or will be. Again, thankyou for making this post for viewers!!
I’m proud of your coming out. This is a really big deal. I see that in part two you didn’t come out to everyone. But you started your progress conducive to your environment. This is the biggest and best message to send out to help others, and that’s what matters. I want to touch on one thing that you might need help understanding. Gay people comes in all types. From super fem that they even wear women’s clothing ( but not transgenders), all to feel feminine and comfortable about who they are. Women’s clothing will be so carefully picked in most cases that you won’t even know they shop in the women’s section. Talking pants masc looking shoes blouses that look like men’s shirts, etc. others obviously wearily ladies clothing. But there’s the super masculine. Playing sports, hang out on sport bars drinking whiskey. Your average looking man, except he’s gay. And all of his closest friends and hang out buddies know because he’s out to them. Then there’s everything in between where you take your pick. Gay to obviously gay to maybe gay, etc. like you, I’m pretty masculine. I played high school football as well as a ROTC Cadet. At first, IG was cover. By halfway through freshman year, I started telling people. Because of my stance, people dared to try bullying me or calling me names. One person thought to be so douchey, Jonathan Kent. I approached him and he could have pee’d himself. I just wanted to ask questions, that’s it, I swear. By the start of 11th grade, I was out to the entire school. Tried benching me in football. Believe it or not, m father wasn’t having it and came to the school. Said what does how he has sex has to do with playing ball. I was so proud of my father that day, and I was still a virgin (for a few more months anyway - lol). I hope these experiences might help you know what to expect as you get to know the LGBT community better as you go along. You look quite masculine. Know that some masculine gays love being with other masculine gays and some like feminine type gays. Whoever you fall in love with, demand your love is always reciprocated. Take it slow. You’ll find the right person at the right time to spend the rest of your life with, or even marry. In the meantime, enjoy some dating around to get a feel of what’s out there and what to expect. The biggest lesson of all. Trust. Demand trust always and give trust always. That starts with always, I mean always, being an honest and trusting person. Never let your eyes or you mind deceive you. I did that at your age and paid deeply with a broken heart. I wanted to kill myself, but didn’t and never tried. I just picked my self up and worked through that ball of heartbreak. Later, that was more like a lesson and I never regretted it. Me and that person became close friends for years after, although this is not always necessarily recommended. Look into the soul of that person, then you’ll know.
Jonathan Skinner Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
I just came across of your video of coming out, when I came out is when I was in high school I was 16 years old my parents already knew it my family and friends love me and had all of the support when in high school I had a boyfriend but this was in the 80s I been in and out of relationships now I'm married to a great guy living life to the fullest be yourself have fun becareful and be safe hope to see more videos soon love ya ❤👍
It is good that you are now able to live your true self out in the open. It is too bad that people think that there is the stereotypical gay person. You are who you are and you love yourself. Keep being you and live your life to the fullest as a man who just happens to be gay.
Your born gay like you're born left handed, blue eyed or blonde. Be the person you want to be and don't let the fiction of religion hurt you. Religion is a man made invention that does very little positive in this world. Be a good person, and make that your religion. You have one life to live. Do your best with it while being as happy as you can be.
Awesome Video, you are right there is not really a typical gay guy out there. There are plenty of stereotypes, but once you get to know a few of us it’s easy to see we are all different, and that’s the beauty in it.
Doug Hansen Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Coming out in Baptistland can never be easy. “If this is what you want, McKenzie...” Explains a lot of the problem, when you are surrounded by people who think you have chosen to join a majority, go to Hell, and ruin their lives because of who you are. You have figured the solution: live your own life for yourself based on who you have figured yourself out to be. They can accept reality, and you, or be ignorant in their own “beliefs”. Hope you have found someone cute like you who also isn’t afraid to be who they are. Good luck, young man.
Andrea hammond Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
The world needs to see more guys like you. I’m really starting to believe the next step in ‘gay acceptance’ is seeing regular guys like you, who just happen to be gay. I’m going to use the term ‘straight-acting’ even though some will say that’s politically incorrect. But hear me out; SO MANY GUYS ARE AFRAID TO COME OUT EARLIER because they don’t see themselves in media and real life. There’s been far more attention given to drag queens and feminine guys, and if you think about it, that’s a pretty small portion of our community. We love them, however, for they have endured some of the worst bullying and rejection along the way. Plus, it gave ‘gay’ a starting point for conversation. But let’s be real and grateful. Television, film, and sports is putting a new spin on what it means to be gay, and it’s this - there are a lot of talented, regular, and ‘normal’ people out there who happen to be gay. Did you know some of them are also ‘left-handed’? And they like black olives but hate green olives? I’ve even met a guy who didn’t like chocolate. Scandalous! So my point is this, and I applaud you for mentioning it. I think one of the reasons more people seem to be coming out of the closet (and at younger ages) is because of guys like you. Regular, relatable, straight acting guys! And I’ll bet that lots of people walk away after meeting you thinking, “Hmmm, not what I was expecting from a gay guy. He seemed nice and normal to me. Maybe I should rethink how I view gay people in general.” THIS is what will push us to the next level of acceptance, so I hope you’ll be confident and comfortable as you go out into the world. I can tell you from personal experience that if I’d had a role model like you, even just one video like this would have given me the courage to accept myself much sooner. I know your story will help many - you’re an amazing guy who somewhere, right now, is making a difference in someone’s life. Great job, man, great job.
Donald Livingston Hello, Donald, and thanks for the reply. You are correct in that effeminate men get all the discrimination, and in fact, have been leaders in the ‘gay movement’ from the beginning of time, really. As I mentioned in my post, that’s why we cherish them; they’ve set the stage. My point was that for most straight people this was how gay people were ALL portrayed, and I’ll give you an example why that might be unhelpful when we’re striving for acceptance for ALL gay people. I spent much of my early 20’s in a new town - Salt Lake City, to be exact. Now, tell me the first thing that pops into your head about Salt Lake City? If you’re like most people, it’s “Mormons”. And if you’re like most non-Mormons, you’ve got some preconceived notions about Mormons such as, “they hate people who drink and smoke, they go to church all the time, they’re very closed minded and judgemental of other beliefs, etc”. While some Mormons would clearly fit that stereotype, in my experience, most were VERY kind and loving people and just as accepting of other points of view (and gay people) as ‘normal’ folks. So what I learned early on was I needed to rethink my perception of ALL Mormons, because they’re not all the same. It helped me accept them as normal, everyday human beings - which is our goal, yes? We just want acceptance as normal, everyday human beings. So exposing the general public to more examples of gay people will, I believe, help lead to more acceptance of ALL gay people. And straight guys like James Corden of the Late Late Show, who is a very effeminate man, will help the world accept effeminate GAY men. Simple as that, or at least I hope it is. So again, thanks for writing and hope this clarifies the point I was trying to make.
@@randyfaris8479 I Don't Feel Cherished When people Even other Gay Men Try Too Change Me And make me be Something that i Am Not Am Very Feminine I'm a very Feminine being that's just my nature I can't change that
ItsreallyNick10 Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
God bless and protect all the LGBT people from all the evilness of the world 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈✝️✝️✝️✝️ In this world full of evilness, hate, jealousy, gossip, envy, sufferment, pain, harassment, discrimination, anger, abuse, murder, theft, rape and endless negative feelings and dangerous behaviors; We, the LGBT people must be aware of the evilness that exists in the world and not allow that anything or anyone divide us, we must always be willing to help other LGBT people and we must not leave any LGBT person alone or left behind 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 We must be aware that we, the LGBT people not only face the same problems and situations that straight people face, but we also face hate for our sexuality, hate for being different, hate for being LGBT, and that is, the hate just for being who we are and likewise we must be aware that not all the people that says that support us really do so 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 I don't care who you are or where you come from or what reputation you have or if other people like you or dislike you, if you are an LGBT person you have all my love and support ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 We can make a difference and be a light of hope to make from the world a better place 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 Never allow that straight men and women divide us 💥💥💥💥💥 Gay Men together forever ❤🧡💛💚💙💜 LGBT people together forever 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
Thanks for posting the video dude!! I really enjoyed it and enjoyed you telling your story. By the way, you are one handsome man with a fantastic personality. And one other thing, you don't have a southern accent at all. I just love a southern accent. :-) Have a great day dude! :-)
LENOVOVO Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
@@billhildebrand5053 Hey Bill, and is Bill your real name. By the way, how do you know me, and what does your comment have to do with mine. I'm confused here?
Hey, I just loved staring into your beautiful blue eyes, that I gave this comment to all the ones who commented. You are beautiful.. I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Toni Letoya sLogan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Wars have been fought over religion, people are persecuted every day over religion. It says a lot about those who claim to be religious. People should be free to live their life as they choose to not forced into a stereotypical mold. Someguy will be very lucky to have you as a husband some day.
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 ❤🧡💛💚💙💜
i think its so amazing that you decided to share your story, im sure you will help a lot of people with this video. i can relate to this on many levels. i just filmed a coming out video myself and i would love if you checked it out
Hary Sabar Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
The Gunters Adopt Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Ron Lindsay Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Hisoka Morow Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
@@mckenziecross1457 Perhaps talk about your relationships good or bad...a Q&A about yourself...maybe for young people who are struggling with coming out, tell them if it does indeed get better. Just a few suggestions. Take em or leave em. Hope it helps tho!
Peace be upon you to our beloved brothers and dearest sisters, you kinda need to listen to me, I just want to say that:- If you got anyone in your life that ever said to you likes ''how did it come to this?'' in the unkind ways, you know what I mean. This is what you tell them, you look at straight into their eyes and you saying: 1. Religion is about Peace and Mercy of God. 2. a) Do you believe in God? Yes. And if God didn’t want you this way, He wouldn’t have made you this way. Correct! 2. b) God have made and want you this way, because He love you. So, you will get more closely and continuously approach to God. He want you to love Him more than everything else, and the love that's exclusive only for Him. Not so many people out there got that chance. That's why you have to learn and understand the hidden message of God.
@JeremyS I'm very sorry if you feel that way. Oh, yes. Indeed. I wouldn't disagree with you. I got your opinions regarding this matter. And I very well aware of that, thank you. But I'm not judge and looking at the religion or it's followers in that manner. That's why I/we as a fellow of human beings who has been bestowed with a affections, together with a benevolent nature by God, we should do the nexts right things, that which could help them to go to the righteous path. I know, that we cannot and never can change people's heart and mind set, but for the God's sake we can give them specific advises for their own benefits to those who ask for it. People make many wrongdoings, but we can learn from that, on how to make it right. That is why I mentioned "God loves us beyond any and everything else, and that’s who we should love first". Because I just want them to LOVE One and Only Almighty God, The Most Beneficent and The Most Merciful, beyond any and everything else with all their hearts. Just so you know, as you emphasized earlier "I see you’re familiar with Islamic faith. A beautiful faith indeed", right!. I'm so glad to hear that from you. Owning to the fact that, whenever you come close yourself to God, He will never judge you based on your sexuality. He will judges and look at you, by your passions in seeking and pleading of His mercy and pleasure, and what type of a people you are. As you stated that "The whole point of religion is to seek happiness and meaning in life". That's why I keep saying that "Religion is about Peace and Mercy of God", He wouldn't turn His back on people who need Him. In terms of seeking and pleading of His graces and blessings. Since God is in nature with The Most Forgiving, The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate, The Most Acceptor of Repentance, The Most Kind, and The Most Pardoner, and other Glorious Names in nature of God. At least I/we try to do something, which is we guide them back into the righteous paths once more. Rather than we let them stay in astrayness and die in it. So, in afterlife if God ask us, what did we do to help them, we already have the answers. I would also like to thank you, for you to read and listening of my humble speech.
Because one thing is those gay feelings never go away no matter how you fight it because some times I get tired of fight it I never came out about it what part of Alabama you from bruh!
Ron Lindsay me too Calgary....Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Billy Horr Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Antonio Leonetti Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
Jicy Yin Logan I memorized the 16 chapters of Romans in 16 days when I was 16 years of age, in 1968 while driving a John Deer Tractor around the field.
You Have it Easy you're not an effeminate male the effeminate males are the one that catch all the Discrimination I'm not saying that you haven't faced any you probably have but it's not like an effeminate would
