You really struck a cord when you said you're always loved for what you can do, never for just who you are. Ugh, that's my life in a nutshell. Btw, you are absolutely beautiful and you have what seems to be such a kind spirit. Thank you for sharing so many personal details with the world. This video is really emotionally impactful.
What stood out to me was the idea of being appreciated for your hard work while not feeling loved and appreciated for who you are. That's tough. You are very articulate, a great storyteller and such a beautiful person.i wish you every success and happiness.
DeAndre I came out at 40 years old. I am so proud to be gay. I was married for many years here in Canada and everybody respect us. I just last my husband he was 79 years old but i hope you find the love that we had for so many years. xoxo
Hey DeAndre! My name is Julian and I been following you on all social media platforms for a while. We have a lot in common I honestly felt like you were telling my story. I grew up with an absentee father who would come and go. He always belittled my efforts and criticized me on how I dress, talk, walk, you know the whole 9. Throughout the summer, I also attended acting camps which I honestly had a passion for acting, fashion, entertainment, etc. My father was never supportive of my mannerisms. Throughout school until college, I was bullied and even brutally beaten for how I acted and how I dressed. I tried to work hard in school and started to get an interest in medicine because I felt like my other passion wouldn't be accepting to the world. I used to really get depressed and even wanted to commit suicide because my whole life I wasn't masculine enough and not self accepting of who I was. In college, I really wanted to be myself unapologetically and people truly began to love who the real Julian is. I never felt what real love was and was always trying to hide my true self. I just wanted to say thank you for being so vulnerable because still to this day I struggled with loving some aspects of myself. You are a true inspiration! Thank you so much! 🖤 #theelite
It's always the black sheeps of the family that turn out to be the most successful and inspirational icons in the end. Keep shining. You have an army of people that will support you and love you nomatter what. You inspire so many people everyday just from being you❤️ Thank you for sharing and thank you for being you
I knew when I reached 9th grade. I had a more attraction to boys than girls. Gym class was one of my favorite classes because I got to see boys in compromising positions, as the saying goes. I only had things for black boys, as I am black myself. I tried to hide my true self, but most people in my classes knew. I really didn’t truly care. I was who I am. These days, I am just myself. I realize that I am a lot more than just my sexuality. A lot more! I have no room for shame. I am proud. I am me! Peace.
Dude it was a pleasure having u as a Morehouse bro on campus. You inspired me as a person even tho u didn’t necessarily notice that I was paying attention. Keep going.
This really almost made me cry. Because I’m still battling even telling my family. I wrote out a letter to my grandparents mainly because they’re the main ones who raised me. They’re religious and my grandma always made slick comments on my feminine ways. It makes me sad to know that our relationship may change due to me one day coming out to her. Dad wasn’t really there and yet we lived in the same city didn’t even know his side of the family. I’m so exhausted of having to hide myself but it may be my time soon.
Hey DeAndre! I came across this video and it really resonated with me, especially because you and I share similar stories. It breaks my heart to hear how people, including your family members, reduced you to a single story and narrative: "Because you had "feminine" qualities, you must be gay." This is such a generational bigoted mindset that we need to immediately break free from. It frustrates me to know that there are qualities and talents that you possess, talents and gifts God gave you, that went unfulfilled because people kept reducing you down to size and trying to create an identity for you rather than give you the space and opportunity to let you forge your own path. Unfortunately, there are many men that think they are gay because of the labels they receive and the bullying they have experienced. This world teaches us that if men are different, aren't masculine enough, and have feminine qualities/talents/gifts, then they must be gay. (Most of these ideologies are rooted in misogyny - the hatred of women and so anything that appears to be womanly is wrong/sinful). It hurts me to hear that you only started to think you were gay because people, including your father, were putting that bug in your ear. I wonder how your life would have turned out if you were never bullied and called these words and if your father gave you the love you so deserved and did not categorize you by a sexuality that may have never been yours in the first place. I have heard stories of men joining the LGBTQIA+ community even while being attracted to the opposite sex, because they wanted to feel loved and not judged. They wanted to be a part of something that made them feel like they belonged. I just wish the LGBTQIA+ community was not the only place where people can feel a sense of belonging. I wish we had more communities, families, systems, infrastructures in place to make all men feel safe in their mind, body, and spirit; A place that constantly reaffirms their identities and who they are as ... men! I say this because where can straight feminine men run to? What community can they be a part of that will help to affirm their identity, sexuality, etc. It doesn't exist outside of the LGBTQIA+ Community. It is important to know and remember that gender expression does not equate to sexual orientation. Meaning, that just because you liked to dance and act, or that you had "feminine" qualities, did not mean that you were gay. Men can have both feminine and masculine qualities and these qualities should not dictate one's sexual preference Men need to know that they can be feminine AND straight. In addition, they need to know that not all feminine men are gay and that femininity shouldn't be reserved only for same-sex attracted males. Everything was "gay" when I was growing up, too (especially being a Latino in a hispanic and black community). I was called gay for singing, dancing, acting, playing volleyball, dressing preppy, not having a deep voice, double dutching, and the list goes on and on. Everything I did was considered "gay" and I did not understand why this was the case because none of it had anything to do with my sexuality. I couldn't fathom how my passions and talents made me less of a man and by extension, same-sex attracted. There was a time, like you, when I started to consider the possibility that maybe I was gay because I finally started to believe what everyone had said about me. Thankfully, I had my grandmother who told me that I can have feminine qualities and be straight. I can have talents and passions that men don't normally have and be straight. Nothing that I did or believed should be attached to my sexual orientation. She made me believe that I was more than my sexual orientation and that my sexual preference was for me to get to define, not other people. We have to allow men to be humans! To feel deeply, express their emotions, and encourage them to pursue their passions and talents without attaching everything they do and believe to a sexual orientation. Growing up it felt like "gay" was my name that everyone called me by and no one ever wanted to get to know the real me and find out that I did not identity as gay. I pray that more men are liberated to be themselves and to define who they are on their own terms and not the worlds.
Definitely can relate to the mom- child dynamic ... the thing about parent trauma is to one day make sure your child never feel those emotions. Hopefully you can heal from these past traumas sending you love & good energy 🖤🖤🖤
I am so inspired by this! Dre do you know how many ppl this video is touching? You said what so many people gay and straight feel as over achievers. I’m not gay, but I do have a story and will be recording my own video just for myself telling my story. All I can say is keep being you and know that the real you outside of your accomplishments is what truly makes you special 💗💗
I found you from TikTok and absolutely love your personality!❤️❤️ But I know exactly how you feel in regards to having a representation as the “good” kid or the successful one and having to maintain that but not feeling loved just for being yourself. Thanks for this video!!
Coming out hurts like hell beautiful brother! And we have to live with that hurt from our family and friends for the rest of our lives! The hardest thing to be is Black and gay in this society! I am bi, which is just as difficult! As William Shakespeare wrote: TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE!!!
Thank you for sharing! I came out in 2001; I became “comfortable” with myself at the age of 20 and that continues to change as life goes on. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 22 and that alone will make you physically change. I thought…great, I’m gay and now I’m gonna be disabled. Knowing who YOU are and not settling for anything else. I’m 37 now and walk with a cane and a leg brace and I don’t care about stares or anything! It took a while to get fully comfortable with myself and I’m going to continue to accept myself at every stage of my life! I try hard to always stay in a positive/mindful mindset! Meditation is the best! (WE have a lot in common..catholic school, parents and family) Thanx for sharing and I really enjoyed hearing from DeAndre and not a “character” ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for sharing that! This is true vulnerability and I truly understand and felt what you were saying. I am a Queer Afro-Latina. I was just never able to put it into words “I never just felt loved for being myself” this is what i realized in therapy caused me to be a people pleaser! But honey, I’m learning day by day to stand in my power and treat myself kinder than others. You inspire me so much to hold my head high 💚💚 Just want to say thank you for creating a space for us hardworkers to realize we are worthy of it all 💚💚💚
Enjoy who you are and find true love. You do not need to share that with your family. Your skin will toughen kid. And you will not care.💙💛💙💛🥳 Find a good, honest, true man that will love and cherish you. You are continuously looking for something you will never get from your family.
Courage gives us a voice to tell our story and compassion gives us an ear to hear the stories of others. Without both, there is no opportunity for empathy and connection. Thank you for sharing yourself with us..This is why we respect, love and admire you. No one can beat you at doing you! Keep doing YOU!
Found you on tiktok. I even shared your content with my teen daughter but this video literally took my love for you to another level. We love you so much!
Thank you for sharing your story! Father's are not an easy topic and when they shame you it feels extremely emasculating and pitiful. I definitely relate with the religious mother. The way I see it, they become distant and create a wall because in their mind they don't want to deal with the reality of a gay son and going against everything they envisioned. The relationship feels very surface and they're not interested in what we're doing unless it's blatantly making us money and they can benefit from it somehow... and yet still allowing that interaction because we desperately want that approval. Love your authenticity in this video!
Hey Cousin ❤️. I'm sorry you had those experiences. I know we've only seen one another a handful of times, but just know you never everrrrrr have to wonder about me making fun of you. I love you just as you are. ❤️❤️. Proud of you...
Thank you for sharing your story !.. We All Love You And Your Videos 💓💓 Coming out Bi, Whew! It’s a long story , but long story short , coming from a Christian family , being gay or bi was seen as a sin!., so me having to deal with that growing up was hard , I’ve always known i liked women and men, it always depended on the personality of a person and the soul of a person for me.. i came out bi , to my mom when i found a girl i wanted to take serious. She always thought it was a phase , always said don’t bring it around her etc! Would preach to me it’s wrong etc, but at the end of the day me and GOD Will have our day and i know he loves me unconditionally. You have to live for you and don’t care what others think !.. it’s more to my story but i will leave it there !…
You are articulate. You are going to blow up and reach heights you may not fathom at this moment. I subscribed and look forward to seeing your videos in the near future and hearing about the great deeds you will ultimately achieve.
i relate to literally ALL of this so much and it really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing this, very inspirational to know theres someone w a very similar upbringing & life to me that I can look up to in real time. Watching you grow motivates me ❤
Wow, I came across this video. I did think people were still going through this. I want you to understand that your family loves you. You are fighting the church, not your family. Most people from church will never give you what you want or need. Even if they say they don’t care if your gay. I’ve seen so many people who say they don’t care. But if you hang around them for long periods of time and if your in the closet like me. Their little minds start saying things that contradict what they said earlier in life. You have one life to live and if you are successful you are 75% of the way there. So i’ve learned to be amongst those who love you and stay away from those who tolerate you.
I love that you stand in your truth love. I hate that it bothers other people when you’re simply just being yourself. I wish you all the success, peace, love & happiness.❤
I just want to say that Your story was very much eye opening. I have been watching you off and on because I only saw the Business Elite side of you , but I was more interested in your Authentic Self. My Story is very much similar to yours , but I just started my journey in the last year and not 7th grade and def not high school . I did go to an HBCU and I def would like to talk more about it with you on a personal note for advice. I am not sure which way that you could be reached but def would like to have some of your time . Thanks for your Story Deandre
haven’t even watched the video yet. but i understand the complexities of the video, and how hard this may have been. continue to be the light you are. you’ve inspired me in ways you can’t even imagine. continue to be the light you are💕.
Hi. I follow your social media pages and I’m here in Allen, Tx. Thanks for sharing. Although I can’t relate to your preference I can relate to feeling like an outcast/black sheep. I also work for a major corporation and being an introvert has its pro and cons. I feel un relatable at times. I’d consider myself a social introvert, I love very nice places however, everyone doesn’t understand me outside of business. Im an over achiever and get recognition often. That reward comes with silent hate. Im deemed awkward at times. The crowd that looks like me don’t understand, the crowd that doesn’t look like me do. I’m satisfied with that but part of me wish the ones that looked like me would understand. I try to be great because I’m a loner and with that I can feel a sense of accomplishment when I’m by myself. Thanks for your vulnerability and allowing us to love you even more! ❤️
hey. im so happy i found you on insta and checked ur video because im 16 and its hard with my catholic family and also being in a catholic highschool as well has seeing my parents comment on every gay- looking kid and saying “they’re confused”, or the “i would kick my gay kid out” comments. it does hurt. it hurts alot, sometimes too much. i love you so much. you dont know how many people you’re going to help with this video. i am starting to show out as a gender-fluid lesbian and feeling forced to come out is not fun. (the judgment on my clothes chilee its crazy) but listen, i support you and will continue to support you, now that i found you. im tellin you mann, i love you with all my heart and i found you like 20 minutes ago. 💕🤝. i hope more and more people see your greatness in this world.
I'm happy I watched the video. I completely understand where you are coming from about your relationship with your family. I always feel like my relationship with my family is based on what I have accomplished and never about who I am as a person. I'm happy you are here to express yourself and keep helping inspire others to be themselves and to keep pushing.
You being your authentic self is always enough and always perfect!! You should feel so empowered and inspired. Thank you for being you and sharing. You have a great energy to you, that you can see in your videos. ❤
Hello DeAndre , it's good to know that someone has the courage to come forward with their story. Daily, i am building up the strenght to c:ome out to family and friends. My thought is- Why come out, they already know. Also, the more you try to hide something, the more it comes out. Stay strong my brother.
DeAndre, please know that you are loved! I hope in sharing your story you are able to release the hurt you experienced so you can live your best true life. Love LaWanda 🥰
Your story is very similar to my high school experience at a Christian school and Chile that shit was the worst time of my life but yet transformational
Thank You For Sharing DeAndre💞💯💫 You Don’t Know How Much Your Story Has Helped/ Touched Me On A Personal Level!! Keep Living Your Truth My Brother!!💅🏾😇💖
I am a straight alpha dominant masculine manly man. I am NOT gay but you are SO handsome and attractive, just wanted to let you know what I think. I love women, but you are one good looking dude, if I were a woman I would want you, or if I was gay (I am NOT) I would want you but I am 100% straight BRO.
You are a wonderful man, it hurts me to hear what you went through. I will never understand how people who are close to us can become so bent about who we love. By the way, by the time I was about ten I knew I was different. Certainly by three years later I knew I was gay, but I was deep in the closet for years.
I’m so full of love for your honest & true self. Thank you for doing this video. You are truly going to help someone out there who may be struggling. Seeing you will inspire them. Keep giving authenticity. We appreciate you 🙏🏾👏🏾❤️
Thank you for sharing your story!! Keep being you and thank you for being you!! I shared a lot of in common with this video being black, gay and elite 🤣🥂 thanks for sharing the hard times about growing up because those were the hardest
This was an amazing video. As a person that is in the LGBTIA+ community I can relate. Thanks for being vulnerable. Sending you love baddie Dre. I hope this video starts a new chapter with your family. Tarek is one of m fav creators so I am obsessed with both of you guys
thank you for sharing, my name is Korie, I started to know/contemplate in 5th/6th grade but I would say I knew i was bi and accepted at 23, so about 8 months ago
I have been following you for a very long time. I’m soooo proud of you and your vulnerability to the world. I know this was difficult because I could literally feel it. Thank you for being YOU!! I love that you shared your experience/intersectionality because most don’t realize struggles one may face because they have multiple social identities. #theelite 💛💛
Such a great video - thank you for sharing your story and for showing up as your TRUE self. I recently discovered you on TikTok and immediately felt your authenticity. Proud of you for showing up as who you are - trust the the right people will resonate with you. Keep shining your light on us✨🙌🏽👏🏽❤️
Awwwhhhh DeAndre, I cried the entire time I watched this vid! Not cries of sadness or disgusts, But wanting to just hold U in my arms and just give U the LOVE U long for from all the others who missed out on that wonderful opportunity to do so! WOW! One day I hope I get that chance to hug U so tight, hard, squeeze U til U feel the LOVE! Ok that's all I wanted to say to U, Ok Peace and You Be Good! I never had to come out, to my folks, they all knew I was ( GAY ) U know the mannerisms, and the way I acted/behaved. Just to let U know a lil about me! OK Be Good........🌈🏳🌈
I made peace with the idea that my mom is just not happy with the reality that I’m gay, but I’m not happy that I have her as a mother so I guess we’re even. You are not letting her down, you are existing as you are and that goes beyond the respectable nergo chip installed in blk folks, they are acting like the oppressor when they disrespect blk queer ppl.
Absolutely love you on tile TikTok and this calm reserve side of you I absolutely adore !!! Amazing, and just looking at this video you made it Boo I understand that relationship strain with you my I still go through that until this day
Hey thanks for sharing your story I know it's a difference between being white and gay and being black and gay I don't know why when you are white and gay there is less disapproval then being black and gay but just remember what makes you happy is all that matters you don't have nothing to prove to nobody but yourself and let people judge cause there's only one judgement that counts is from the man upstairs and I been following you for a minute now and I like your vibe and I'm proud of all of your accomplishments and I will always support and luv you for the real you and just remember money can't make you happy so keep up with what you are doing and I will always be here ❤️❤️❤️❤️
DeAndre I am so proud of you! I am in Dallas as well and I follow you on multiple platforms. You are amazing, love you keep being you. Absolutely love your heart and spirit your beautiful. Thank you for sharing such a personal moment with us. I dont care who a person is with I care about their soul and you my dear have an extraordinary one. ❤ Im not even a hugger but if I ever see you your getting one.
My fav vid from you! Love the honesty D and could relate to so much of it. I hope to see more story times and sit down vulnerable content on this platform 🤍🤍🤍
You really struck a cord when you said you're always loved for what you can do, never for just who you are. Ugh, that's my life in a nutshell. Btw, you are absolutely beautiful and you have what seems to be such a kind spirit. Thank you for sharing so many personal details with the world. This video is really emotionally impactful.
What stood out to me was the idea of being appreciated for your hard work while not feeling loved and appreciated for who you are. That's tough.
You are very articulate, a great storyteller and such a beautiful person.i wish you every success and happiness.
DeAndre I came out at 40 years old. I am so proud to be gay. I was married for many years here in Canada and everybody respect us. I just last my husband he was 79 years old but i hope you find the love that we had for so many years. xoxo
Intelligent, well spoken, attractive. Wow. Refreshing.
Hey DeAndre! My name is Julian and I been following you on all social media platforms for a while. We have a lot in common I honestly felt like you were telling my story. I grew up with an absentee father who would come and go. He always belittled my efforts and criticized me on how I dress, talk, walk, you know the whole 9. Throughout the summer, I also attended acting camps which I honestly had a passion for acting, fashion, entertainment, etc. My father was never supportive of my mannerisms. Throughout school until college, I was bullied and even brutally beaten for how I acted and how I dressed. I tried to work hard in school and started to get an interest in medicine because I felt like my other passion wouldn't be accepting to the world. I used to really get depressed and even wanted to commit suicide because my whole life I wasn't masculine enough and not self accepting of who I was. In college, I really wanted to be myself unapologetically and people truly began to love who the real Julian is. I never felt what real love was and was always trying to hide my true self. I just wanted to say thank you for being so vulnerable because still to this day I struggled with loving some aspects of myself. You are a true inspiration! Thank you so much! 🖤 #theelite
I am so sorry to hear that you had to experience that. However, you are so strong! Continue to work on loving yourself… you deserve it!
It's always the black sheeps of the family that turn out to be the most successful and inspirational icons in the end. Keep shining. You have an army of people that will support you and love you nomatter what.
You inspire so many people everyday just from being you❤️
Thank you for sharing and thank you for being you
That is very true! Thank you so much❤️
I knew when I reached 9th grade. I had a more attraction to boys than girls. Gym class was one of my favorite classes because I got to see boys in compromising positions, as the saying goes. I only had things for black boys, as I am black myself. I tried to hide my true self, but most people in my classes knew. I really didn’t truly care. I was who I am. These days, I am just myself. I realize that I am a lot more than just my sexuality. A lot more! I have no room for shame. I am proud. I am me! Peace.
Dude it was a pleasure having u as a Morehouse bro on campus. You inspired me as a person even tho u didn’t necessarily notice that I was paying attention. Keep going.
He’s gorgeous !
This really almost made me cry. Because I’m still battling even telling my family. I wrote out a letter to my grandparents mainly because they’re the main ones who raised me. They’re religious and my grandma always made slick comments on my feminine ways. It makes me sad to know that our relationship may change due to me one day coming out to her. Dad wasn’t really there and yet we lived in the same city didn’t even know his side of the family. I’m so exhausted of having to hide myself but it may be my time soon.
When you are ready always know that you have a community here that will support you. Wishing you the best.
Don’t hide, I’m sure they know. No one should make anyone feel less than.
I empathize with you very much in this. From experience it is not easy yet it is a relief living in your truth. You have support
I feel you and wish you well on speaking your truth ! I'm gay black male ,so I know how you feel .
I hate that this is a thing. People having to “come out” as who they are. Be you king ❤️
Hey DeAndre! I came across this video and it really resonated with me, especially because you and I share similar stories. It breaks my heart to hear how people, including your family members, reduced you to a single story and narrative: "Because you had "feminine" qualities, you must be gay." This is such a generational bigoted mindset that we need to immediately break free from. It frustrates me to know that there are qualities and talents that you possess, talents and gifts God gave you, that went unfulfilled because people kept reducing you down to size and trying to create an identity for you rather than give you the space and opportunity to let you forge your own path.
Unfortunately, there are many men that think they are gay because of the labels they receive and the bullying they have experienced. This world teaches us that if men are different, aren't masculine enough, and have feminine qualities/talents/gifts, then they must be gay. (Most of these ideologies are rooted in misogyny - the hatred of women and so anything that appears to be womanly is wrong/sinful). It hurts me to hear that you only started to think you were gay because people, including your father, were putting that bug in your ear. I wonder how your life would have turned out if you were never bullied and called these words and if your father gave you the love you so deserved and did not categorize you by a sexuality that may have never been yours in the first place.
I have heard stories of men joining the LGBTQIA+ community even while being attracted to the opposite sex, because they wanted to feel loved and not judged. They wanted to be a part of something that made them feel like they belonged. I just wish the LGBTQIA+ community was not the only place where people can feel a sense of belonging. I wish we had more communities, families, systems, infrastructures in place to make all men feel safe in their mind, body, and spirit; A place that constantly reaffirms their identities and who they are as ... men! I say this because where can straight feminine men run to? What community can they be a part of that will help to affirm their identity, sexuality, etc. It doesn't exist outside of the LGBTQIA+ Community.
It is important to know and remember that gender expression does not equate to sexual orientation. Meaning, that just because you liked to dance and act, or that you had "feminine" qualities, did not mean that you were gay. Men can have both feminine and masculine qualities and these qualities should not dictate one's sexual preference Men need to know that they can be feminine AND straight. In addition, they need to know that not all feminine men are gay and that femininity shouldn't be reserved only for same-sex attracted males.
Everything was "gay" when I was growing up, too (especially being a Latino in a hispanic and black community). I was called gay for singing, dancing, acting, playing volleyball, dressing preppy, not having a deep voice, double dutching, and the list goes on and on. Everything I did was considered "gay" and I did not understand why this was the case because none of it had anything to do with my sexuality. I couldn't fathom how my passions and talents made me less of a man and by extension, same-sex attracted. There was a time, like you, when I started to consider the possibility that maybe I was gay because I finally started to believe what everyone had said about me. Thankfully, I had my grandmother who told me that I can have feminine qualities and be straight. I can have talents and passions that men don't normally have and be straight. Nothing that I did or believed should be attached to my sexual orientation. She made me believe that I was more than my sexual orientation and that my sexual preference was for me to get to define, not other people.
We have to allow men to be humans! To feel deeply, express their emotions, and encourage them to pursue their passions and talents without attaching everything they do and believe to a sexual orientation. Growing up it felt like "gay" was my name that everyone called me by and no one ever wanted to get to know the real me and find out that I did not identity as gay. I pray that more men are liberated to be themselves and to define who they are on their own terms and not the worlds.
Seeing my cooperate baddie be vulnerable means a lot. Although I am not in the LGBTQ community I can relate so much to your story. ❤️
Definitely can relate to the mom- child dynamic ... the thing about parent trauma is to one day make sure your child never feel those emotions. Hopefully you can heal from these past traumas sending you love & good energy 🖤🖤🖤
I am so inspired by this! Dre do you know how many ppl this video is touching? You said what so many people gay and straight feel as over achievers. I’m not gay, but I do have a story and will be recording my own video just for myself telling my story. All I can say is keep being you and know that the real you outside of your accomplishments is what truly makes you special 💗💗
Thank you so much Toya!
Welcome you lose your shell.don,t go back in it..be happy..it feels good to be out
I’m always happy to see someone stand in their truth, no matter how painful. Thank you for sharing. Very Elite. 🫶🏾✨
Thank you! I really appreciate this.
I found you from TikTok and absolutely love your personality!❤️❤️ But I know exactly how you feel in regards to having a representation as the “good” kid or the successful one and having to maintain that but not feeling loved just for being yourself. Thanks for this video!!
Thank you for watching and supporting. Much love
Coming out hurts like hell beautiful brother! And we have to live with that hurt from our family and friends for the rest of our lives! The hardest thing to be is Black and gay in this society! I am bi, which is just as difficult! As William Shakespeare wrote: TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE!!!
You will feel so free when you start being true to yourself and loving yourself
please don’t forget to record the video about your college experience 🙏🏽
The story about the teacher was very relatable. I dealt with teachers that didn’t accept me and wanted to embarrass me too
Your such a sweetie. Keep being you. Love the ones who love you 😘
Thank you for sharing! I came out in 2001; I became “comfortable” with myself at the age of 20 and that continues to change as life goes on. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 22 and that alone will make you physically change. I thought…great, I’m gay and now I’m gonna be disabled. Knowing who YOU are and not settling for anything else. I’m 37 now and walk with a cane and a leg brace and I don’t care about stares or anything! It took a while to get fully comfortable with myself and I’m going to continue to accept myself at every stage of my life! I try hard to always stay in a positive/mindful mindset! Meditation is the best! (WE have a lot in common..catholic school, parents and family) Thanx for sharing and I really enjoyed hearing from DeAndre and not a “character” ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing and thank you for supporting as well.
This is the first time I'm seeing you. Your beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you so much for sharing that! This is true vulnerability and I truly understand and felt what you were saying. I am a Queer Afro-Latina. I was just never able to put it into words “I never just felt loved for being myself” this is what i realized in therapy caused me to be a people pleaser! But honey, I’m learning day by day to stand in my power and treat myself kinder than others. You inspire me so much to hold my head high 💚💚 Just want to say thank you for creating a space for us hardworkers to realize we are worthy of it all 💚💚💚
WE ARE WORTHY OF IT ALL!
Enjoy who you are and find true love. You do not need to share that with your family. Your skin will toughen kid. And you will not care.💙💛💙💛🥳 Find a good, honest, true man that will love and cherish you. You are continuously looking for something you will never get from your family.
I hope your family sees this and realise what a great person they missed out on. Keep doing what you doing 💚
Courage gives us a voice to tell our story and compassion gives us an ear to hear the stories of others. Without both, there is no opportunity for empathy and connection. Thank you for sharing yourself with us..This is why we respect, love and admire you. No one can beat you at doing you! Keep doing YOU!
So sorry that you have had these experiences. You are worthy and I hope you accept that and free yourself from uncertainty someday.
Found you on tiktok. I even shared your content with my teen daughter but this video literally took my love for you to another level. We love you so much!
Came out at 19 because i got fed up of hiding. It hasn't been easy. But it was worth my prace with myself.
Thank you for sharing your story! Father's are not an easy topic and when they shame you it feels extremely emasculating and pitiful. I definitely relate with the religious mother. The way I see it, they become distant and create a wall because in their mind they don't want to deal with the reality of a gay son and going against everything they envisioned. The relationship feels very surface and they're not interested in what we're doing unless it's blatantly making us money and they can benefit from it somehow... and yet still allowing that interaction because we desperately want that approval. Love your authenticity in this video!
I rlly enjoyed this video ‼️I was shocked to find out that our stories are quite similar . You are AMAZING! Keep being GREAT 🫶🏼
Man this is deep and heavy But I'm glad you overcame at all, thank you for sharing.
New subbie here! You are very special always stay true to yourself .
Hey Cousin ❤️. I'm sorry you had those experiences. I know we've only seen one another a handful of times, but just know you never everrrrrr have to wonder about me making fun of you. I love you just as you are. ❤️❤️. Proud of you...
I don’t know why ppl think “Comin Out” it’s 2023 bruh. No one tells u they are straight. “ What’s understood doesn’t have to be explained!”
Right
Thank you for sharing your story !.. We All Love You And Your Videos 💓💓
Coming out Bi, Whew! It’s a long story , but long story short , coming from a Christian family , being gay or bi was seen as a sin!., so me having to deal with that growing up was hard , I’ve always known i liked women and men, it always depended on the personality of a person and the soul of a person for me.. i came out bi , to my mom when i found a girl i wanted to take serious. She always thought it was a phase , always said don’t bring it around her etc! Would preach to me it’s wrong etc, but at the end of the day me and GOD Will have our day and i know he loves me unconditionally. You have to live for you and don’t care what others think !.. it’s more to my story but i will leave it there !…
You are articulate. You are going to blow up and reach heights you may not fathom at this moment. I subscribed and look forward to seeing your videos in the near future and hearing about the great deeds you will ultimately achieve.
i relate to literally ALL of this so much and it really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing this, very inspirational to know theres someone w a very similar upbringing & life to me that I can look up to in real time. Watching you grow motivates me ❤
I would love to hear my son’s coming out story and the impact family my have had on him.
Wow, I came across this video. I did think people were still going through this. I want you to understand that your family loves you. You are fighting the church, not your family. Most people from church will never give you what you want or need. Even if they say they don’t care if your gay. I’ve seen so many people who say they don’t care. But if you hang around them for long periods of time and if your in the closet like me. Their little minds start saying things that contradict what they said earlier in life. You have one life to live and if you are successful you are 75% of the way there. So i’ve learned to be amongst those who love you and stay away from those who tolerate you.
I love that you stand in your truth love. I hate that it bothers other people when you’re simply just being yourself. I wish you all the success, peace, love & happiness.❤
I just want to say that Your story was very much eye opening. I have been watching you off and on because I only saw the Business Elite side of you , but I was more interested in your Authentic Self. My Story is very much similar to yours , but I just started my journey in the last year and not 7th grade and def not high school . I did go to an HBCU and I def would like to talk more about it with you on a personal note for advice. I am not sure which way that you could be reached but def would like to have some of your time .
Thanks for your Story Deandre
haven’t even watched the video yet. but i understand the complexities of the video, and how hard this may have been. continue to be the light you are. you’ve inspired me in ways you can’t even imagine. continue to be the light you are💕.
I will continue to shine! Thank you love!
Yes always be true to yourself because you have to love yourself and live within yourself
Hi. I follow your social media pages and I’m here in Allen, Tx. Thanks for sharing. Although I can’t relate to your preference I can relate to feeling like an outcast/black sheep. I also work for a major corporation and being an introvert has its pro and cons. I feel un relatable at times. I’d consider myself a social introvert, I love very nice places however, everyone doesn’t understand me outside of business. Im an over achiever and get recognition often. That reward comes with silent hate. Im deemed awkward at times. The crowd that looks like me don’t understand, the crowd that doesn’t look like me do. I’m satisfied with that but part of me wish the ones that looked like me would understand. I try to be great because I’m a loner and with that I can feel a sense of accomplishment when I’m by myself.
Thanks for your vulnerability and allowing us to love you even more!
❤️
Love this video and our childhoods were very similar! Congratulations to you on everything and I pray you keep thriving and going up!
Great video! I to went to a HBCU and def understand 🙌🏽🙏🏽🤞🏽 keep shining ✨✨✨
hey. im so happy i found you on insta and checked ur video because im 16 and its hard with my catholic family and also being in a catholic highschool as well has seeing my parents comment on every gay- looking kid and saying “they’re confused”, or the “i would kick my gay kid out” comments. it does hurt. it hurts alot, sometimes too much. i love you so much. you dont know how many people you’re going to help with this video.
i am starting to show out as a gender-fluid lesbian and feeling forced to come out is not fun. (the judgment on my clothes chilee its crazy)
but listen, i support you and will continue to support you, now that i found you. im tellin you mann, i love you with all my heart and i found you like 20 minutes ago. 💕🤝.
i hope more and more people see your greatness in this world.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Happy Pride DeAndre
I'm happy I watched the video. I completely understand where you are coming from about your relationship with your family. I always feel like my relationship with my family is based on what I have accomplished and never about who I am as a person. I'm happy you are here to express yourself and keep helping inspire others to be themselves and to keep pushing.
DeAndre, You're a bright spot in so many many lives. So Be Encouraged!! Continual Success!!
We love you for you !! Let your light shine ❤️
You being your authentic self is always enough and always perfect!! You should feel so empowered and inspired. Thank you for being you and sharing. You have a great energy to you, that you can see in your videos. ❤
Hello DeAndre , it's good to know that someone has the courage to come forward with their story. Daily, i am building up the strenght to c:ome out to family and friends. My thought is- Why come out, they already know. Also, the more you try to hide something, the more it comes out. Stay strong my brother.
Great job telling your story. Glad you were able to rise about the negative experiences in your life and not become bitter. You're a good person.
DeAndre, please know that you are loved! I hope in sharing your story you are able to release the hurt you experienced so you can live your best true life. Love LaWanda 🥰
Grateful you articulated these feelings. I’ve never heard someone who has such a similar experience to me, thanks for sharing!!
Your story is very similar to my high school experience at a Christian school and Chile that shit was the worst time of my life but yet transformational
Thank you for sharing your story. The reflection I get from you is a person who is beautiful inside and out. I love your personality and your content.
Thank you so much! This truly means a lot.
Thank You For Sharing DeAndre💞💯💫 You Don’t Know How Much Your Story Has Helped/ Touched Me On A Personal Level!! Keep Living Your Truth My Brother!!💅🏾😇💖
I Love Seeing This Side Of You!
You’ve touched so many by just being yourself! 🫶🏾✨
That is all I want to do! Thank you for your support
So brave of you to share your story! You are absolutely loved on here! ❤ 🙏🏾
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ so brave so Elite!! This hit home for me n my family. Thank you
I am a straight alpha dominant masculine manly man. I am NOT gay but you are SO handsome and attractive, just wanted to let you know what I think. I love women, but you are one good looking dude, if I were a woman I would want you, or if I was gay (I am NOT) I would want you but I am 100% straight BRO.
You are a wonderful man, it hurts me to hear what you went through. I will never understand how people who are close to us can become so bent about who we love. By the way, by the time I was about ten I knew I was different. Certainly by three years later I knew I was gay, but I was deep in the closet for years.
I’m so full of love for your honest & true self. Thank you for doing this video. You are truly going to help someone out there who may be struggling. Seeing you will inspire them. Keep giving authenticity. We appreciate you 🙏🏾👏🏾❤️
Thank you for sharing your story!! Keep being you and thank you for being you!!
I shared a lot of in common with this video being black, gay and elite 🤣🥂 thanks for sharing the hard times about growing up because those were the hardest
This was an amazing video. As a person that is in the LGBTIA+ community I can relate. Thanks for being vulnerable. Sending you love baddie Dre. I hope this video starts a new chapter with your family. Tarek is one of m fav creators so I am obsessed with both of you guys
He is the GOAT! Thank you. Much love
thank you for sharing, my name is Korie, I started to know/contemplate in 5th/6th grade but I would say I knew i was bi and accepted at 23, so about 8 months ago
Thank you for your Truthfulness, honesty on your personality sexuality may this video reach more visitors in keep Sharing your story
I loved this so much! I experienced a lot of the same things at my hbcu too.
I have been following you for a very long time. I’m soooo proud of you and your vulnerability to the world. I know this was difficult because I could literally feel it. Thank you for being YOU!! I love that you shared your experience/intersectionality because most don’t realize struggles one may face because they have multiple social identities. #theelite 💛💛
It is definitely a struggle when having multiple social identities. However, I am so blessed to have a platform to shed light on it.
Great positive content, accepting yourself for who your are is good.
Wow ! Thank you for being courageous and sharing your journey. You are amazing ! I’m so happy you are thriving and pushing through. We love you !
Hi DeAndre! Thank you so much for the video. Appreciate your honesty. Wishing you tons of beautiful and miraculous blessings!
Thank you so much for being you and sharing your story. Appreciate you Dre
Such a great video - thank you for sharing your story and for showing up as your TRUE self. I recently discovered you on TikTok and immediately felt your authenticity. Proud of you for showing up as who you are - trust the the right people will resonate with you. Keep shining your light on us✨🙌🏽👏🏽❤️
Thank you Lindsey! This little light of mine, I’m gonna let is shine mmkay.
Thank you for having the courage to share your story with us 💜
I figure my story can help others
Awwwhhhh DeAndre, I cried the entire time I watched this vid! Not cries of sadness or disgusts, But wanting to just hold U in my arms and just give U the LOVE U long for from all the others who missed out on that wonderful opportunity to do so!
WOW! One day I hope I get that chance to hug U so tight, hard, squeeze U til U feel the LOVE! Ok that's all I wanted to say to U, Ok Peace and You Be Good!
I never had to come out, to my folks, they all knew I was ( GAY )
U know the mannerisms, and the way I acted/behaved. Just to let U know a lil about me! OK Be Good........🌈🏳🌈
I'm so proud of you, and i'm not even related to you DeAndre.
I made peace with the idea that my mom is just not happy with the reality that I’m gay, but I’m not happy that I have her as a mother so I guess we’re even. You are not letting her down, you are existing as you are and that goes beyond the respectable nergo chip installed in blk folks, they are acting like the oppressor when they disrespect blk queer ppl.
Yes it does hurt to be honest with yourself in those situations but it’s ok
Absolutely love you on tile TikTok and this calm reserve side of you I absolutely adore !!! Amazing, and just looking at this video you made it Boo I understand that relationship strain with you my I still go through that until this day
Keep on I believe in you!
I am here for you I love the way you are so humble with what you been threw and now becoming free from a box
Hey thanks for sharing your story I know it's a difference between being white and gay and being black and gay I don't know why when you are white and gay there is less disapproval then being black and gay but just remember what makes you happy is all that matters you don't have nothing to prove to nobody but yourself and let people judge cause there's only one judgement that counts is from the man upstairs and I been following you for a minute now and I like your vibe and I'm proud of all of your accomplishments and I will always support and luv you for the real you and just remember money can't make you happy so keep up with what you are doing and I will always be here ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This was great to watch! So proud of you for standing in your truth❤️Elite status! 🌟
Thank you! Always keeping it ELITE!
Thanks for sharing! I’m a future corporate baddie and I find inspiration in your story 💙
You seem like a cool young man. I hope good things keep happening to you
Awww you’re such a inspiration 🖤🖤🖤 thank you for sharing your story 🙏🏾
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your story. Keep SOARING!!❤️❤️❤️
DeAndre I am so proud of you! I am in Dallas as well and I follow you on multiple platforms. You are amazing, love you keep being you. Absolutely love your heart and spirit your beautiful. Thank you for sharing such a personal moment with us. I dont care who a person is with I care about their soul and you my dear have an extraordinary one. ❤ Im not even a hugger but if I ever see you your getting one.
This comment means so much to me! Thank you for your support.
Definitely can relate to this video🤎🤎🤎
My fav vid from you! Love the honesty D and could relate to so much of it. I hope to see more story times and sit down vulnerable content on this platform 🤍🤍🤍
You will see a lot more of this on here. I am glad you enjoyed the video.
Congratulations and welcome to the team.
It does get better and you will be glad when you don't have to hide who you are.
You are a beautiful person with a beautiful soul. Thank you for sharing!