It takes real courage to do this. I grew up in a similarly conservative environment. It took me years to accept myself, let alone come out. Its hard when you grow up in that environment. You spend so many years living a fictional life instead of your own to please others and protect yourself. Why does it have to be so hard? Why can't we just be who we are without fear?
its 2022,,!!! when is this gonna stop being such a big deal ,, your born this way ,,you have no choice ,,its a mad as getting all your parents and friends together,,and explainting to them ,,,look i know this is gonna be a huge shock to everybody ,,,,,,,but ,,,but ,,,,im really ,,,left handed ,,!!,,,,,yes i know, ive been pretending to use my right hand ,,,but im sorry guys ,i cant do this anymore ,,ive been left handed since i can remember ,,im so sorry to disrupt your lives ,,,ill pack tonite ,and ill be on the train tomoro,,i need to move to the big city ,,were i can just fit in with everybody ,,so sorry ,,,,,,
Elijah I am gay also and I feel for you that they outed you! That's messed up big time there NOT a friend of yours. You are such a handsome guy I wish you the best in life. I want to tell you something there is NOTHING wrong with being gay it's not a choice we can make. I so wish your Dad would open his eyes and see what an amazing son he has! You are a GEM! I will pray your Dad changes his mind. Religion has messed up so may people. I am Catholic but don't practice is anymore because of the hate of us gays....THANKS foe making this video Elijah peace to you buddy👍👍
Enjoyed your video. The terms 'courage', 'self confidence' and 'honesty' can only partially describe the qualities of character you exhibit. I know that these traits are not easy to come by. A sensitive soul ( which I also sense you possess) can struggle to find the toughness to overcome the cruelty we often find in this world. But when a kind, sensitive soul adds courage and confidence to it's repertoire of attributes; Greatness becomes possible!
@@saywhat1512 NOT a hero just another gay gay playing the victim. You clowns think that people care if you are gay and have butt sex. You make fools of yourself with videos and even parade down the street screaming you are gay. At some point you need grow up.
@@saywhat1512 This clown never went to war or saved a person from a burning building. He is NOT a hero just a guy who has butt sex and gets off on telling people and whining.
Seeing this in L.A., Sept. 2020. I hope your parents have seen this heartfelt video. Clearly, it is our (collective) BELIEFS that are keeping us apart as humans on the planet. Good luck to you. Many blessings......
Re: 3:37 Although your dad's attitude is to be expected given his background (or at least explicable) that doesn't make it right. Of course, if he won't allow you to bring your boyfriend home you have no other choice but to accept it - only in the sense though that you can't do anything about it, not in the sense that this an acceptable belief which is to be respected. There is no excuse for ignorance. Maybe in time he will realize his mistake. In the meantime, I think it's important that you remind yourself that there's nothing wrong with you, you did nothing wrong and you have nothing to apologize for.
Thank you so much! I know it doesn't make it right, but I am trying to give him time. I remember how hard it was for myself to cope with the idea of being gay. It will be a long and hard process, but I believe that we will be able to work it out! I'm a senior in High School and will be moving out soon. So, maybe some distance will do both of us good.
That sound like a very healthy way to look at things! I also didn't mean to sound too harsh regarding your dad. I just think in situations like these where someone close to you is acting as if you did something wrong there is a danger of feeling guilty even though you consciously know full well that there's no reason to. So I think therefore it's important to remind yourself that you are not at fault and that you have every reason to be self-confident.
Elijah August Bravo! Hopefully your dad and sisters will recognize you are the same, sweet boy as ever and that you will come to have and deserve, healthy, caring, mutually beneficial relationships just as they do. You obviously are thankful for them, your safety and wellbeing. I wish you success in every way!
What an amazing young man. I'm an elder (65). I came out at 18 in 1974 in NY where I grew up. I was an activist on the front lines from the very start.We had to fight hard in those days, but we did it because we wanted life to be easier for future generations of Gay people. I'm glad you younger guys are coming out while you're still in middle school or high school. It's very encouraging. I just want to say that you will discover that nothing in life is as important as being true to yourself. Nothing. Stay true to your identity, and others will come around. They will see how strong and courageous you are. God made you Gay. It can be an amazing gift if you let it. Anyone who chooses their religion over someone they love, needs a new religion. Lastly, you need to find other young Gay people. A Gay youth group or support group. You shouldn't be so alone. And thank you for making this video. It's going to help many others. You're going to make some lucky guy a worthy husband one day.
Hi, I'll be honest, I cried watching this, it brought back pain 😩 of my own story. it was my Mom who didn't want a gay son, and it was me like you who was needing to find courage and strength to walk in love and nurture our relationship, it's supposed to be the other way around. I want to encourage you though, the impossible happened and after a while & my Mom came around. she accepted me and accepted my boyfriend who is now my husband 🤗. I hear your heart and it got me 😧 you seem like an awesome guy, hope you meet an amazing guy and have nothing but happiness 😍 Ben
me again 🙊 one thing that made my Mom open up, is that I just lived my life, being happy and accepting of myself. like you I left her to live with her ideas and I decided to be happy and not get down about not everyone celebrating my coming out, anyway you're awesome and perfect just being you HUGS
Great comment, and well said. Leave them to their own. You may even find it necessary to walk away. I ultimately decided to do that with my immediate family, but always remained close with my Blessed grandmother and cousins. My own humanity was more important.
Great Video, thank you so much for sharing, Elijah! You've come a long way already. My very conservative catholic parents have had problems with me being gay at first too, but that changed over the years and finally I could even bring my first boyfriend home, so keep going, it's worth it! :)
Well done. I'm still amazed at the courage it takes to make these videos. Having your brothers on your side is amazing. Sometimes it's the guys and not the gals that have the most problems dealing with a sibling that is gay so it's kinda the other way way around here. Accepting yourself tho is the first step and that you have done with grace and dignity. Best wishes and thank you for making this video.
Substitute Methodist for Catholic and a time-frame which predates not just RUclips but the internet - well, not just the internet but personal computers and mobile phones, etc. ok I'm old, but you get the idea - and your story has many similarities to mine. So congratulations on a selflessness in sharing, for others who may need it to better cope with their situation. You seem to have made the most important realization which is that you are all right and that it is other people who may have the issues which need to be dealt with - even people who have known you all your life and whom you love. Hey, tell your parents to take the credit for all the good things they continue to like about you as a person. I knew that had worked for me the first time my father called, not to speak to me but to my boyfriend. I think you'll be fine without my best wishes but I send them to you anyway.
You are a courageous. And handsome. Takes a lot of guts to share your story. You have a lot of great things going for you. Especially a loving family. Thanks for helping others who are struggling with coming to terms with who they are and encouraging others to share their story too. Btw, your room is super cool. Peace.
Thank you. You have handled the most difficult bit because you have accepted yourself, you are very confident and should be, other people in your life will come around in their time. Your a very honest young man and will do well, yes there will be days but you are a strong and will find the happiness you are looking for. Listen to your heart because our inner self knows what's best for us. When you get older as some of us have you will look back and be proud of who you have become. Live your life for you and it's fun. London.
My family was very catholic and I even went to a catholic school. My dad felt the same as yours when I came out but he eventually changed his views. In fact, he is now very supportive and even comes along to pride events occasionally - something I would never have imagined when I was your age. So don't give up on him (or your sisters). Be patient and try to be understanding of their struggle - they will change eventually.
Elijah, I wish you the best and be strong for yourself! I too came from a "Catholic" family and about that religion I will take the high road and not be vulgar about that sorry state. I know you love your family, and that is hard for you, but you being gay has absolutely nothing to do with their personal lives at all (you are not telling them who to sleep with). I disowned my family years ago and I unfortunately live with my aunt now, but she keeps her mouth shut or she will be dumped like the rest since I am the remaining surviving member of our immediate family. The amount of pain and suffering people have gone through because of stupid clergy and ignorant people is astounding even at my age! I do believe in God and you be strong and proud, God made you beautiful and perfect and we all have gifts to share for all humanity. God bless.
always keep one thing in mind God made you and i am sure he loves you very much. you have a purpose in life and I know God knows that you are a loving guy with kindness in your heart ❤. I hope you will find true love with the right guy and stay loving as you are now
God made you exactly the way he wanted you. You are a marvellous creation and your ready to help others. Still you're very brave. Greetings from Scotland.
Hi Elijah, Thanks for posting your coming out video. You will never know all of the people, now and going forward, that will be helped by it. Thanks....
Such a pity you are not accepted by your father so you can bring a nice boy which anyone deserves. Thanks for sharing. You're a proud, strong and great guy.
Listing to your story takes me back a very longtime ago. I hope and pray that your Dad has come to accept you for you. I was very much like you before I came out in 1980. I was very lucky both my parents who were devout Catholics accepted me for who I was, and so did all my family. I underestimated my Dad , him being a soldier in the 2nd world war. I thought he would have disowned me. how wrong I was to my surprise he said..... you are my son and I love you, bring your friends home so we can meet and get to know them. I hope your father has now accepted you for the lovely caring young man you are. Keep hold of your faith as much as you can. It's not Jesus who condemns us, it's ignorant people who use religion for their own gains. My faith has helped me through many a turbulent time in my life. keep hold of it it's precious, and don't let go!! I hope life is treating you with respect like you have respected so many people round you. You are a credit to your family. God love and protect you always. 🙏❤
You will see Elijah : things will get better and one day you and all your family members will look back and thank God for the present it made you to make you as you are. Adorable and essential to all those who love you. So give yourself and your loved ones a bit of time and embrace life.
I hope that you are still doing well. A kid the other day who'd heard that I might be gay asked me how I came out. I said that I never had, I'd just let my parents get used to me "having a friend" even though he was 22 years older than me! Parents, friends and siblings never said a word. I was 16 then I am 73 now. It is not the big deal that you're wound up to think. If someone loves you, shocked they might be but love you, they will; regardless.
Elijah thank sooo much for sharing such a powerful and wonderful story. Whenever you shared about people not accepting you or family having an issue all I wanted to do was tell you how brave you are, supporting you with hugs!! Stay true to who you are and know that you are loved and any religion that says otherwise is unbalanced. If religion comes between me and my neighbor I would always choose my neighbor. Jesus never excluded….as a gay man myself you will see that sometimes time tends to heal and if not then your dad, sister will be missing out on one special guy! Family is not defined by blood but by people who love, care, and accept you totally!!! Stay strong my friend and know you will be in my thoughts. Totally proud of you!!🌈❤️😎
Let me start by saying you are amazing! I can relate a lot with you because I too am Catholic and I was an altar boy. My mother luckily was more of a liberal Catholic and she excepted me 100% when I came out to her. Unfortunately I was forced to do it because my sister found out and threatened to out me so I literally had to tell my mother. You are so young and have your whole life ahead of you but let me tell you a little bit about me because my life has turned out so wonderful. I met my husband back in 2004 and as of now we have been together for 18 years. We have built a home here in Los Angeles and work together as a team and our love has only grown stronger over the years. Love is out there and I know eventually you will find it. Just remember to believe in yourself and remember God still loves you despite what anyone says. Stay strong Gil Miller
Very good job. I've been debating it myself, but seeing this, it uh, it helped. thank you. and sorry about your dad's reaction. I told mine before he passed, he was accepting and felt bad for the slurs he said over the years.
Truly admiring your way of telling us your coming out. Be aware of everyone not being afraid of but taking care of yourself first. You must know that you will always have to be fair play with uourself first and for you mlife long. It is easy to say but not easy to live. By getting older around 40 years old you may be questionning yourself again but be aware of others. That why I believe you always must take care of yourself, your way of thinling and living and be able to adaspt yourself to the differents situations life will bring you in. Be careful and true to yourself. This will never be a question of religion; it always be a question of humanity and feeling to yourself first and to your beliefs. Be true ! ALWAYS AND READY TO ADAPT YOURSELF THROUGH THE LIFE ITSELF.
You're a beautiful soul and if I was your age I probably could've fallen in love with you. I can tell you that your life is going to be great I personally am married I'm gay and I married to a guy and we have a family we have kids and I wish for you that you'll have the same and have a wonderful life thank you for sharing this beautiful video!
Glad you found acceptance and support, even if it wasn't from your entire family. Religion sure can poison things, can't it. But you seem to have overcome with a good attitude. Bravo!
I'm so sorry for you. Having friends and family turn on you sucks. It's hard to understand how they can get so caught up in what someone else tells them to believe. I told my dad only because I was dating a guy that lived a few hours a way and I wanted him to stay over. I was in college at the time. All I got was how disappointed he was because he wanted grandchildren. Yet, he never did anything with me. I told him not to tell my mother who I was already estranged from and of course he couldn't keep his mouth shut. He's dead now and my mother is 81 and still hasn't talked to me in almost 40 years. I live 15 minutes from her and she's never bothered to even try and visit me not that I would open the door at this point. We often feel like we're a victim when we come out but you can choose to not accept them. It's your option.
You're great! Thanks for sharing your story. Some fantastic parts to it, some scary bits too, but you're strong and proud of who you are .. fabulous !! 😘 Melbourne Australia
When do find a boy that you can bring home to your family, that boy will be one lucky guy to have found you. Going away to school will really help you feel more comfortable with yourself. So make sure not to get into a confrontation that will stop financial support for your college education. Best of luck.
You deserve better. I know you’re grateful for your family’s support, but honestly some of them could have been more supportive. Well, it’s their loss as they will miss out on the amazing experiences you’ll have in your life.
I hate when people use religion as a shield. But sounds like you are very smart and have a great perspective. Dont ever let anyone devalue you. You have to remember also that they have to process the info too! Time usually changes things for better. You're amazing!
I've been out for 8 years, and my family took it closely to how your family took it, except my entire family took it like your dad and turned against that part of me - except my brother. If you ever need anyone to talk with, feel free to reach out. It does get better.
I'm proud of you for sharing your message to the world. I too am religious and lost a lot of friends and family over coming out. I'm also a parent of a gay child. When she came to me in her early teens she told me she thought she might be bi. I knew that she was gay but the hardest person to come out to is your self. Most coming out individuals will say "bi" to soften the message. We didn't ask for this, it just came with the package. I still believe in God and read the scriptures often. I would like to say this, ask your parents which one of them had feelings for the same sex early on. Ask them if their minister told them to get married and it would bury those feelings. It is NOT your fault. They chose to breed. Gay people don't come from straight people. They come from bi or gay people that choose to breed. It is that simple. EVERYTHING about humans is inherited. You don't look like me cause you came from your folks. Everything about you, the way you smile, the way you move and the way you talk and think and react, are all inherited. You have some choices on how you conduct yourself, but they are all defined in the perimeters of your genetics. Sexuality is inherited because it is physical. EVERYTHING is inherited. Somewhere in your family history there exists other gay and or lesbians. Maybe they never married and had a long time "room mate" or who knows. I have taken in some kids that were friends of my kids that got booted out for coming out to their folks. I usually have harsh words with their folks for doing such an atrocious thing. I also think that most parents are boneheads for not knowing their kid may be gay. Most close parents know and just are waiting for their kid to come to the realization. I am proud of my kids, and you and all the gay and lesbian young adults that can stand proud. It is a tough time to open up but you keep on showing the world your best side and know that there are those of us that will always look out for you. God Bless you.
Hey Elijah. I’m a queer Christian and I just want you to know that I support you! There is nothing wrong with the way you are, I hope you love yourself and whoever you are attracted too. ❤️ have a great life!
I really felt this. It is so much better now than it was when I was your age. We had to be great actors. Our very lives were at risk from men who felt it was their job to eliminate this scourge on the earth. Let me know if I can help in any way. I am a great judge of character and I know you are an amazing young man.
It dose get better in time , I've been there , my parents are strict Catholics . After 30 years my dad and i are still friends but we never talk about it . So what I'm trying to say is that that Life do get Better . 💕
Thank you for sharing and I wish you well....It takes real courage to accept who you are , also to open yourself up to the inevitable changes that being considered ''different'' will make to your life. Good luck
It definitely takes real courage to come out. I just did it recently on my channel. I was shaking and sweating a lot while uploading. But I did it finally! Not everyone understands especially in a country like the Philippines where the majority is very conservative. Somehow, I felt relieved and it's all that matters.
What an incredible coming out video. I wish I had had your courage 50 years plus ago when I realised who I really was. My life would have been very different. I will just pick you up on one point. The Church, which has taught your father that it is wrong to be gay, is the Roman Catholic Church. Catholic is definitely what the RC Church is NOT. There are plenty of Catholic Churches around the world but the RC church is not one of them. You will have many challenges to come. Stay strong. Good luck.
Good luck to you handsome!Be strong.Don’t let anyone insult you or intimidate you.In the situation you describe where your parents are very religious you just need to make your personal life your own.You cannot force your lifestyle on your parents and they cannot change you.Very simple.
Ah so many #feels I just wish when I come out to my family they will accept me. most of my friends actually did what your friends did, but that's ok, bc you meet the ones who truly accept you and they truly are your family. I am so blessed with some very amazing friends, I just wish my family wasn't so religious like yours to be so closed minded. love your vid!
Coming out is the hardest thing in the world. I was a teenager in the 70’s and you just…didn’t…come out. I lived in the closet for years. When i finally started accepting myself, and found a boyfriend, that a-hole ended up outing me at work (because he got discovered, and didn’t want to be the only gay guy at work!) And this after he told me not to let anyone pressure you into coming out. Huge hypocrite he was. At any rate, fast forward, and i finally came out to friends and family. Hardest thing I ever did. You’re strong and brave and you’ll be ok. Best of luck to you Elijah.
Family is one of the weirdest dynamics we all have to deal with growing up and adding the being different from them in is always difficult, to say the least ? . I would suggest from experience to live your life to make yourself happy and not waste too much time worrying about what others think . Life isn't perfect for anyone and you owe it to yourself to live the best life possible , you will find all the love and happiness you deserve and your family will come around ,it just takes time . Good luck
Your video so reflects what every gay man young or older has to confront . Your honesty and courage are real.Never try to hide who you are the pain inside eats you up and then you start to blame yourself for who you are, this l can relate to also being from the Midwest and a catholic family. But now that l am out to my family and friends the stress and anxiety are gone. Always be true to yourself no matter what.Big hugs
Great job telling your story, Elijah. You should be proud, always, of who and what you are. If it helps, remind them that God doesn’t make mistakes and that the Bible was written by ordinary people, just like you and me. I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Yours in love and pride, Nicholas a.k.a. Chip 🏳️🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🏳️🌈
Congratulations on being your true and authentic self. I hope that your family is coming around, but if not, then find and connect with your "family of choice".
Great job, buddy! I guarantee you it will get easier as time goes by... and I bet your dad will come around, too. Just study hard, get a good education (or learn a trade) and plan for your great future. When you meet the person you want to share your life with you will look back and see it was all worth it and nothing else will matter.
Good for you on being a survivor...it can be so hard to deal with the Church who proclaims that God is love, yet on the other hand show much disdain for the lgbtqia+ community. Chin up, and hang in there...I swear it does get better...
Sorry I just found your story earlier today. It's great that you have friends and brothers and you mom who are supportive of you. I'm in the process of my own coming out story. I have the same fears you had. Even though I live in a more accepting area of the country, many of my friends are not supportive of homosexuality and make fun of it constantly. Thank you for making this video and inspiring many others like me in our own journeys! I would love to see an updated video on how everything is going! Thanks so much, Brooks M.
Brooks - then they're not true friends. Find Gay friends. They will become your family. You have to put yourself first as a Gay man and to learn to take care of yourself. You do not need people in your life who berate you or diminish you. You need people who respect and love you.
Elijah I too am Catholic however I Came Out much later in life than you did. One of my dearest friends in this world is a Catholic Priest. While having dinner with him and another friend that I had already Come Out to the subject of Gays came up. At that point I sort of gave the nod to our other friend that was with us that I wanted to talk to Father. She said she had to go to the bathroom and excused herself. When she left I said Father there is something I need to tell you and I proceed to Come Out to him. He looked me straight in the eyes and said Jim God made you in His image you are a good man and always remember Jesus loves you and I love you. Elijah remember God made you in His image Jesus loves you. Hopefully your life is full of joy and love. Please make an updated video letting us know how you are doing.
If "straightness" or "religion" drive a wedge between you and people whom you love and ought to love, then there's something profoundly wrong with their views and attitudes and actions. You can't let those notions stay in your head and haunt you. They can change. It's their responsibility, their loss, if they don't.
Good video, and you are an impressive young man. I did sense the pain when you spoke of your father not accepting your being gay, but I bet that over time he will accept it and also your sisters. Best of luck to you.
The whole "coming out" nonsense whether as fat, bi, gay, or trans or any other identity group has become a fad. People make videos of their "coming out" to parents and friends, then play the professional victim card followed by all the other members in their victim group telling them how brave and beautiful they are and rage against anyone that dares to disagree ... it is pure comedy ... LOL.
As someone who is still in the closet, I still have these fears of being outed involuntarily or receiving a negative response when I come out to someone. This is why I am extremely picky when it comes to who I come out to, and I make sure to remind them that they are very special in my eyes because of the huge amount of trust I am giving them. But now I’m in college. Although I go to a university in Tennessee, a lot of the people here are surprisingly accepting, and this has led me to feel more comfortable with the idea of a good number of people that know the real me. (As of now, I’ve only told one new person at my college, and I plan on telling everyone in a club I’m in very soon.) As for family, it’s a little more complicated. My parents are Greek Orthodox, a sect of Christianity not too fond of homosexual relationships. However, it’s unclear as to whether they actually hold homophobic beliefs. When my cousin came out as gay, my parents didn’t congratulate him, but they weren’t upset with him either. They just didn’t bring it up. I have a feeling that my mom would be a little more accepting than my dad though, considering that I naturally connect with her more than with my dad. As for siblings, I have two younger sisters, neither of whom is as religious as my parents. I have a feeling that the younger sister will be very accepting since she is very aware and supportive of LGBTQ+ people. As for the older sister, she isn’t that enthusiastic, but we’ve been ‘best friends’ since we were little, so I feel she would accept me and not care, which is perfectly fine with me.
Just feel my love, thats all I want. I went through almost exactly the same thing. But it was a long time ago. I have since lived a happy, magical, and amazing life, and being gay has given me the perspective to live well, and love as hard and as authentically as anyone.... You can do the same..
Elijah. What a brave young man you are to post your story. While I know you will want to remain close to your family trust me when I say that if you go off to a good liberal college you will find a world of change acceptance and further growth. If I can help you with that feel free to reach out.
It's 2022, and I'm interested in know how you have got on since this. Has life improved for you and have any family members or friends come around and now support you? You are a strong person and deserve respect and better people in your life.
im happy for you coming out! i think its easier to do it earlier - even with the short term issues - because you can then start living your authentic life - without the need to shed too much baggage... i have a mormon friend who is gay. he is one of 8 kids. all 3 brothers are cool with it, while 3/4 sisters are totally against it. i usually think of women as just being more accepting (empathetic) in general, so that seems interesting. both parents are ok with it and actually quit parts of the church because they fought for him to no success. but they just deal with it. my friend is married now and the spouse is fully part of the fam now just like all the other spouses. so basically just keep this in mind - how the anti-gay family members reacted initially was probably the worst point and will only get better from here as they get used to it, see you date, fall in love, get pushback from the accepting family members, etc. and if they dont, its really their decision and their loss and dont feel bad about it. religion and choosing what parts to believe are the actual "choices" here....
PROMETHEUS UNBOUND Thanks for sharing your timeless story that still speaks to an expanding audience of visitors to your channel. Hope this finds you healthy and well after five years since you posted your story. Your large wall poster speaks loudly. You are unbound, like Prometheus in Greek mythology. Prometheus is known for his intelligence and for being a champion of humankind, and those of some of your evident characteristics including a wry sense of humor. The whimsical wall-poster painting of a horse lying on a couch and sharing his problems with a psychotherapist invites multiple interpretations, but that curious picture must have been quite significant to you at a difficult time in your life, to monopolize the wall space in your room. Your story brings to mind a gay friend of mine in college who felt tightly bound by harmful social and religious norms throughout high school in Mississippi. To exorcise his strong, repressed feelings he took a series of photos of himself naked in a secluded woods, tied by long, thick ropes to a huge tree wider than his body with his arms, legs and chest bound tightly to the tree like a prisoner against his will, during the summer after graduation before he moved far away from home to go to college. His collection of "Bound" photos were exhibited for a week at a local art gallery. When he showed the photos to me while I was a guest in his home for a weekend, I immediately knew what he was trying to say. He wanted to talk, and I listened.
Elijah That's good you were able to make a video about your coming out your really courageous, and I feel for your situation. I personally don't think religion is a valid excuse for not being accepting by family whether someone be gay or anything else because Jesus said to love EVERYONE. Your really cute, and if I was in your school I'd probably ask you out after hearing you be outed (can rarely be a good thing being outed but lets other gays know you are one of them). I hope you all the best!
I want you to know that it doesn’t matter of what your parents feel about it it is what you feel and what you feel is right for you don’t let people tell you how to live your life in the way that they want you to live it you should live your life in a way that you should live it not for others because if that does happen you should get away from them for awhile and I can’t except you then they are the ones she was going to put religion over to you so don’t let people tell you how to live your life because it is very destructive lifestyle for that and don’t let people tell you how to live your life because it’s your life even if it is for the good or for the better or for the worse Just be lucky that I did not disown you
Thankyou for sharing your experience. It's rarely smooth sailing for everyone but time and life change many things. Making that first step and then the momentum that follows is quite scary but in time you will feel more free and accepted. Religions in general have a great propensity to judge people and categorise us as wrong and evil. Reality is that we are just like everyone else flawed, imperfect and wonderful People who battle for a long time with acceptance and feeling welcome in a world that is all to judgemental and cruel.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and please don't you worry you will find happiness and even if your family has split views regarding your sexuality it's worth being OK with your true self. You inspire me a lot. I'm also gay.
You are absolutely 100% drop dead gorgeous.
It takes real courage to do this. I grew up in a similarly conservative environment. It took me years to accept myself, let alone come out. Its hard when you grow up in that environment. You spend so many years living a fictional life instead of your own to please others and protect yourself. Why does it have to be so hard? Why can't we just be who we are without fear?
its 2022,,!!! when is this gonna stop being such a big deal ,, your born this way ,,you have no choice ,,its a mad as getting all your parents and friends together,,and explainting to them ,,,look i know this is gonna be a huge shock to everybody ,,,,,,,but ,,,but ,,,,im really ,,,left handed ,,!!,,,,,yes i know, ive been pretending to use my right hand ,,,but im sorry guys ,i cant do this anymore ,,ive been left handed since i can remember ,,im so sorry to disrupt your lives ,,,ill pack tonite ,and ill be on the train tomoro,,i need to move to the big city ,,were i can just fit in with everybody ,,so sorry ,,,,,,
You’re respectful and you’re beautiful. Fear nothing. Your true friends respect you hugely. David xx
You're beautiful and you'll be fine. Don't sweat the little things, and they're all little. Take care and hope the best for you.
Elijah I am gay also and I feel for you that they outed you! That's messed up big time there NOT a friend of yours. You are such a handsome guy I wish you the best in life. I want to tell you something there is NOTHING wrong with being gay it's not a choice we can make. I so wish your Dad would open his eyes and see what an amazing son he has! You are a GEM! I will pray your Dad changes his mind. Religion has messed up so may people. I am Catholic but don't practice is anymore because of the hate of us gays....THANKS foe making this video Elijah peace to you buddy👍👍
Enjoyed your video. The terms 'courage', 'self confidence' and 'honesty' can only partially describe the qualities of character you exhibit. I know that these traits are not easy to come by. A sensitive soul ( which I also sense you possess) can struggle to find the toughness to overcome the cruelty we often find in this world. But when a kind, sensitive soul adds courage and confidence to it's repertoire of attributes; Greatness becomes possible!
Another excellent comment
He is a hero because he gay ... LOL ... really. Kinda weakens the meaning of courage.
@@gblee7380 Nope, he’s a hero for standing up to people like you who wish they could go back to the old days of bullying and persecution.
@@saywhat1512 NOT a hero just another gay gay playing the victim. You clowns think that people care if you are gay and have butt sex. You make fools of yourself with videos and even parade down the street screaming you are gay. At some point you need grow up.
@@saywhat1512 This clown never went to war or saved a person from a burning building. He is NOT a hero just a guy who has butt sex and gets off on telling people and whining.
Seeing this in L.A., Sept. 2020. I hope your parents have seen this heartfelt video. Clearly, it is our (collective) BELIEFS that are keeping us apart as humans on the planet. Good luck to you. Many blessings......
You are an amazing person Elijah!!!! I hope you are doing better 3 years later!!!
Re: 3:37 Although your dad's attitude is to be expected given his background (or at least explicable) that doesn't make it right. Of course, if he won't allow you to bring your boyfriend home you have no other choice but to accept it - only in the sense though that you can't do anything about it, not in the sense that this an acceptable belief which is to be respected. There is no excuse for ignorance. Maybe in time he will realize his mistake. In the meantime, I think it's important that you remind yourself that there's nothing wrong with you, you did nothing wrong and you have nothing to apologize for.
Thank you so much! I know it doesn't make it right, but I am trying to give him time. I remember how hard it was for myself to cope with the idea of being gay. It will be a long and hard process, but I believe that we will be able to work it out! I'm a senior in High School and will be moving out soon. So, maybe some distance will do both of us good.
That sound like a very healthy way to look at things! I also didn't mean to sound too harsh regarding your dad. I just think in situations like these where someone close to you is acting as if you did something wrong there is a danger of feeling guilty even though you consciously know full well that there's no reason to. So I think therefore it's important to remind yourself that you are not at fault and that you have every reason to be self-confident.
I used to feel very guilty and I had a hard time dealing with it, but I am starting to handle it much better! So again, thank you!
Elijah August Bravo! Hopefully your dad and sisters will recognize you are the same, sweet boy as ever and that you will come to have and deserve, healthy, caring, mutually beneficial relationships just as they do. You obviously are thankful for them, your safety and wellbeing. I wish you success in every way!
Excellent comment
What an amazing young man. I'm an elder (65). I came out at 18 in 1974 in NY where I grew up. I was an activist on the front lines from the very start.We had to fight hard in those days, but we did it because we wanted life to be easier for future generations of Gay people. I'm glad you younger guys are coming out while you're still in middle school or high school. It's very encouraging. I just want to say that you will discover that nothing in life is as important as being true to yourself. Nothing. Stay true to your identity, and others will come around. They will see how strong and courageous you are. God made you Gay. It can be an amazing gift if you let it. Anyone who chooses their religion over someone they love, needs a new religion. Lastly, you need to find other young Gay people. A Gay youth group or support group. You shouldn't be so alone. And thank you for making this video. It's going to help many others. You're going to make some lucky guy a worthy husband one day.
Powerful, and more than a little heartbreaking! Keep going strong!!
at least i can tell you that it will not be hard for you to find someone
Hi, I'll be honest, I cried watching this, it brought back pain 😩 of my own story. it was my Mom who didn't want a gay son, and it was me like you who was needing to find courage and strength to walk in love and nurture our relationship, it's supposed to be the other way around.
I want to encourage you though, the impossible happened and after a while & my Mom came around. she accepted me and accepted my boyfriend who is now my husband 🤗. I hear your heart and it got me 😧
you seem like an awesome guy, hope you meet an amazing guy and have nothing but happiness 😍
Ben
Excellent comment
Thank you for sharing your story. I hope your family will completely open their minds. You are a good person. Hugs from Colorado.
Dont ever question anything... you are made perfect.
me again 🙊
one thing that made my Mom open up, is that I just lived my life, being happy and accepting of myself. like you I left her to live with her ideas and I decided to be happy and not get down about not everyone celebrating my coming out, anyway
you're awesome and perfect just being you
HUGS
Great comment, and well said. Leave them to their own. You may even find it necessary to walk away. I ultimately decided to do that with my immediate family, but always remained close with my Blessed grandmother and cousins. My own humanity was more important.
Well said. You are a brave and thoroughly admirable young man.
your very brave and strong, thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for sharing, I admire your bravery. Happy you had such amazing brothers. All the best for your future!
amazing video , thank you so much for your coming out story
much love Demian Ds
Thank you! I know it isn't the best quality, but I spent a couple hours trying to figure out what to say without just rambling! Glad you enjoyed
Great Video, thank you so much for sharing, Elijah! You've come a long way already. My very conservative catholic parents have had problems with me being gay at first too, but that changed over the years and finally I could even bring my first boyfriend home, so keep going, it's worth it! :)
Well done. I'm still amazed at the courage it takes to make these videos.
Having your brothers on your side is amazing. Sometimes it's the guys and not the gals that have the most problems dealing with a sibling that is gay so it's kinda the other way way around here.
Accepting yourself tho is the first step and that you have done with grace and dignity.
Best wishes and thank you for making this video.
God still loves you ❤️, Elijah, and will always love you. I wish you all the best for your future 🙏.
Substitute Methodist for Catholic and a time-frame which predates not just RUclips but the internet - well, not just the internet but personal computers and mobile phones, etc. ok I'm old, but you get the idea - and your story has many similarities to mine.
So congratulations on a selflessness in sharing, for others who may need it to better cope with their situation.
You seem to have made the most important realization which is that you are all right and that it is other people who may have the issues which need to be dealt with - even people who have known you all your life and whom you love.
Hey, tell your parents to take the credit for all the good things they continue to like about you as a person. I knew that had worked for me the first time my father called, not to speak to me but to my boyfriend. I think you'll be fine without my best wishes but I send them to you anyway.
You are a courageous. And handsome. Takes a lot of guts to share your story. You have a lot of great things going for you. Especially a loving family.
Thanks for helping others who are struggling with coming to terms with who they are and encouraging others to share their story too.
Btw, your room is super cool. Peace.
Thank you. You have handled the most difficult bit because you have accepted yourself, you are very confident and should be, other people in your life will come around in their time. Your a very honest young man and will do well, yes there will be days but you are a strong and will find the happiness you are looking for. Listen to your heart because our inner self knows what's best for us. When you get older as some of us have you will look back and be proud of who you have become. Live your life for you and it's fun. London.
My family was very catholic and I even went to a catholic school. My dad felt the same as yours when I came out but he eventually changed his views. In fact, he is now very supportive and even comes along to pride events occasionally - something I would never have imagined when I was your age. So don't give up on him (or your sisters). Be patient and try to be understanding of their struggle - they will change eventually.
Thank you for your story. It has been a few years since you posted this, how about an update?
Thanks for sharing. Your amazing and brave. Keep on making video's . All the best , and be yourself
Elijah, I wish you the best and be strong for yourself! I too came from a "Catholic" family and about that religion I will take the high road and not be vulgar about that sorry state. I know you love your family, and that is hard for you, but you being gay has absolutely nothing to do with their personal lives at all (you are not telling them who to sleep with). I disowned my family years ago and I unfortunately live with my aunt now, but she keeps her mouth shut or she will be dumped like the rest since I am the remaining surviving member of our immediate family. The amount of pain and suffering people have gone through because of stupid clergy and ignorant people is astounding even at my age! I do believe in God and you be strong and proud, God made you beautiful and perfect and we all have gifts to share for all humanity. God bless.
Thank you for this. You are a beautiful person!
always keep one thing in mind God made you and i am sure he loves you very much. you have a purpose in life and I know God knows that you are a loving guy with kindness in your heart ❤. I hope you will find true love with the right guy and stay loving as you are now
Thank you for your video Elijah [Cool name by the way]! It is encouraging to see you sticking to your true self 100%. Best wishes from Germany Martin
God made you exactly the way he wanted you. You are a marvellous creation and your ready to help others. Still you're very brave. Greetings from Scotland.
Hi Elijah,
Thanks for posting your coming out video. You will never know all of the people, now and going forward, that will be helped by it.
Thanks....
Such a pity you are not accepted by your father so you can bring a nice boy which anyone deserves. Thanks for sharing. You're a proud, strong and great guy.
Listing to your story takes me back a very longtime ago. I hope and pray that your Dad has come to accept you for you. I was very much like you before I came out in 1980. I was very lucky both my parents who were devout Catholics accepted me for who I was, and so did all my family. I underestimated my Dad , him being a soldier in the 2nd world war. I thought he would have disowned me. how wrong I was to my surprise he said..... you are my son and I love you, bring your friends home so we can meet and get to know them. I hope your father has now accepted you for the lovely caring young man you are. Keep hold of your faith as much as you can. It's not Jesus who condemns us, it's ignorant people who use religion for their own gains. My faith has helped me through many a turbulent time in my life. keep hold of it it's precious, and don't let go!! I hope life is treating you with respect like you have respected so many people round you. You are a credit to your family. God love and protect you always. 🙏❤
You will see Elijah : things will get better and one day you and all your family members will look back and thank God for the present it made you to make you as you are. Adorable and essential to all those who love you. So give yourself and your loved ones a bit of time and embrace life.
I hope that you are still doing well. A kid the other day who'd heard that I might be gay asked me how I came out. I said that I never had, I'd just let my parents get used to me "having a friend" even though he was 22 years older than me! Parents, friends and siblings never said a word. I was 16 then I am 73 now. It is not the big deal that you're wound up to think. If someone loves you, shocked they might be but love you, they will; regardless.
Elijah, Thank you for sharing this. God made you just the way you are, no doubt about it. God Bless you.
Elijah thank sooo much for sharing such a powerful and wonderful story. Whenever you shared about people not accepting you or family having an issue all I wanted to do was tell you how brave you are, supporting you with hugs!! Stay true to who you are and know that you are loved and any religion that says otherwise is unbalanced. If religion comes between me and my neighbor I would always choose my neighbor. Jesus never excluded….as a gay man myself you will see that sometimes time tends to heal and if not then your dad, sister will be missing out on one special guy! Family is not defined by blood but by people who love, care, and accept you totally!!! Stay strong my friend and know you will be in my thoughts. Totally proud of you!!🌈❤️😎
Let me start by saying you are amazing! I can relate a lot with you because I too am Catholic and I was an altar boy. My mother luckily was more of a liberal Catholic and she excepted me 100% when I came out to her. Unfortunately I was forced to do it because my sister found out and threatened to out me so I literally had to tell my mother. You are so young and have your whole life ahead of you but let me tell you a little bit about me because my life has turned out so wonderful. I met my husband back in 2004 and as of now we have been together for 18 years. We have built a home here in Los Angeles and work together as a team and our love has only grown stronger over the years. Love is out there and I know eventually you will find it. Just remember to believe in yourself and remember God still loves you despite what anyone says.
Stay strong
Gil Miller
Oh Elijah, you are loved so much by those who love you. You will find happiness and acceptance and love.
You sir are adorable. Keep on keepin on :)
Very good job. I've been debating it myself, but seeing this, it uh, it helped. thank you. and sorry about your dad's reaction. I told mine before he passed, he was accepting and felt bad for the slurs he said over the years.
Truly admiring your way of telling us your coming out.
Be aware of everyone not being afraid of but taking care of yourself first.
You must know that you will always have to be fair play with uourself
first and for you mlife long.
It is easy to say but not easy to live. By getting older around 40 years old you may be questionning yourself
again but be aware of others.
That why I believe you always must take care of yourself, your way of thinling and living
and be able to adaspt yourself to the differents situations life will bring you in.
Be careful and true to yourself.
This will never be a question of religion; it always be a question of humanity and feeling to yourself first
and to your beliefs. Be true ! ALWAYS AND READY TO ADAPT YOURSELF THROUGH THE LIFE ITSELF.
Hang in there. You have to be you and not something you're not. You have my support in anything you do.
Stay strong, Elijah. We're all with you.
You're a beautiful soul and if I was your age I probably could've fallen in love with you. I can tell you that your life is going to be great I personally am married I'm gay and I married to a guy and we have a family we have kids and I wish for you that you'll have the same and have a wonderful life thank you for sharing this beautiful video!
Glad you found acceptance and support, even if it wasn't from your entire family. Religion sure can poison things, can't it. But you seem to have overcome with a good attitude. Bravo!
I'm so sorry for you. Having friends and family turn on you sucks. It's hard to understand how they can get so caught up in what someone else tells them to believe.
I told my dad only because I was dating a guy that lived a few hours a way and I wanted him to stay over. I was in college at the time. All I got was how disappointed he was because he wanted grandchildren. Yet, he never did anything with me. I told him not to tell my mother who I was already estranged from and of course he couldn't keep his mouth shut. He's dead now and my mother is 81 and still hasn't talked to me in almost 40 years. I live 15 minutes from her and she's never bothered to even try and visit me not that I would open the door at this point.
We often feel like we're a victim when we come out but you can choose to not accept them. It's your option.
You're great! Thanks for sharing your story. Some fantastic parts to it, some scary bits too, but you're strong and proud of who you are .. fabulous !! 😘
Melbourne Australia
When do find a boy that you can bring home to your family, that boy will be one lucky guy to have found you. Going away to school will really help you feel more comfortable with yourself. So make sure not to get into a confrontation that will stop financial support for your college education. Best of luck.
You deserve better. I know you’re grateful for your family’s support, but honestly some of them could have been more supportive. Well, it’s their loss as they will miss out on the amazing experiences you’ll have in your life.
I hate when people use religion as a shield. But sounds like you are very smart and have a great perspective. Dont ever let anyone devalue you. You have to remember also that they have to process the info too! Time usually changes things for better. You're amazing!
I've been out for 8 years, and my family took it closely to how your family took it, except my entire family took it like your dad and turned against that part of me - except my brother. If you ever need anyone to talk with, feel free to reach out. It does get better.
I'm proud of you for sharing your message to the world. I too am religious and lost a lot of friends and family over coming out. I'm also a parent of a gay child. When she came to me in her early teens she told me she thought she might be bi. I knew that she was gay but the hardest person to come out to is your self. Most coming out individuals will say "bi" to soften the message. We didn't ask for this, it just came with the package. I still believe in God and read the scriptures often.
I would like to say this, ask your parents which one of them had feelings for the same sex early on. Ask them if their minister told them to get married and it would bury those feelings. It is NOT your fault. They chose to breed. Gay people don't come from straight people. They come from bi or gay people that choose to breed. It is that simple. EVERYTHING about humans is inherited. You don't look like me cause you came from your folks. Everything about you, the way you smile, the way you move and the way you talk and think and react, are all inherited. You have some choices on how you conduct yourself, but they are all defined in the perimeters of your genetics. Sexuality is inherited because it is physical. EVERYTHING is inherited. Somewhere in your family history there exists other gay and or lesbians. Maybe they never married and had a long time "room mate" or who knows. I have taken in some kids that were friends of my kids that got booted out for coming out to their folks. I usually have harsh words with their folks for doing such an atrocious thing. I also think that most parents are boneheads for not knowing their kid may be gay. Most close parents know and just are waiting for their kid to come to the realization. I am proud of my kids, and you and all the gay and lesbian young adults that can stand proud. It is a tough time to open up but you keep on showing the world your best side and know that there are those of us that will always look out for you. God Bless you.
You are strong and will emerge stronger. Keep the faith and be yourself.
Hey Elijah. I’m a queer Christian and I just want you to know that I support you! There is nothing wrong with the way you are, I hope you love yourself and whoever you are attracted too. ❤️ have a great life!
I really felt this. It is so much better now than it was when I was your age. We had to be great actors. Our very lives were at risk from men who felt it was their job to eliminate this scourge on the earth. Let me know if I can help in any way. I am a great judge of character and I know you are an amazing young man.
It dose get better in time , I've been there , my parents are strict Catholics . After 30 years my dad and i are still friends but we never talk about it .
So what I'm trying to say is that that Life do get Better . 💕
Thank you for sharing and I wish you well....It takes real courage to accept who you are , also to open yourself up to the inevitable changes that being considered ''different'' will make to your life.
Good luck
It definitely takes real courage to come out. I just did it recently on my channel. I was shaking and sweating a lot while uploading. But I did it finally! Not everyone understands especially in a country like the Philippines where the majority is very conservative. Somehow, I felt relieved and it's all that matters.
I am sooooo proud of you !! You are born this way, you didn’t ‘choose’ it. Tell your dad to watch the TED talk about it……it’s not about ‘sex’.
What an incredible coming out video. I wish I had had your courage 50 years plus ago when I realised who I really was. My life would have been very different. I will just pick you up on one point. The Church, which has taught your father that it is wrong to be gay, is the Roman Catholic Church. Catholic is definitely what the RC Church is NOT. There are plenty of Catholic Churches around the world but the RC church is not one of them.
You will have many challenges to come. Stay strong.
Good luck.
You've received a lot of nice and supportive comments, all richly deserved. Good luck young man.
Good luck to you handsome!Be strong.Don’t let anyone insult you or intimidate you.In the situation you describe where your parents are very religious you just need to make your personal life your own.You cannot force your lifestyle on your parents and they cannot change you.Very simple.
I felt very emotional and actualy my heart was also racing with yours elijah...
Now you can be you and live your best life
Thank you for sharing your experience man, you really are a great guy and I know things will work out for you no matter what!
Ah so many #feels I just wish when I come out to my family they will accept me. most of my friends actually did what your friends did, but that's ok, bc you meet the ones who truly accept you and they truly are your family. I am so blessed with some very amazing friends, I just wish my family wasn't so religious like yours to be so closed minded. love your vid!
Coming out is the hardest thing in the world. I was a teenager in the 70’s and you just…didn’t…come out. I lived in the closet for years. When i finally started accepting myself, and found a boyfriend, that a-hole ended up outing me at work (because he got discovered, and didn’t want to be the only gay guy at work!) And this after he told me not to let anyone pressure you into coming out. Huge hypocrite he was. At any rate, fast forward, and i finally came out to friends and family. Hardest thing I ever did. You’re strong and brave and you’ll be ok. Best of luck to you Elijah.
Thanks for sharing your story. All the best!
Family is one of the weirdest dynamics we all have to deal with growing up and adding the being different from them in is always difficult, to say the least ? . I would suggest from experience to live your life to make yourself happy and not waste too much time worrying about what others think . Life isn't perfect for anyone and you owe it to yourself to live the best life possible , you will find all the love and happiness you deserve and your family will come around ,it just takes time . Good luck
Your video so reflects what every gay man young or older has to confront . Your honesty and courage are real.Never try to hide who you are the pain inside eats you up and then you start to blame yourself for who you are, this l can relate to also being from the Midwest and a catholic family. But now that l am out to my family and friends the stress and anxiety are gone. Always be true to yourself no matter what.Big hugs
Courage comes in many forms. You are a very Brave and Courageous Person. You are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Nah, all this guy did was have butt sex and tell people. He did not go to war or save a kid from a burning building.
Great job telling your story, Elijah. You should be proud, always, of who and what you are. If it helps, remind them that God doesn’t make mistakes and that the Bible was written by ordinary people, just like you and me. I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Yours in love and pride, Nicholas a.k.a. Chip 🏳️🌈❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🏳️🌈
Congratulations on being your true and authentic self. I hope that your family is coming around, but if not, then find and connect with your "family of choice".
Great job, buddy! I guarantee you it will get easier as time goes by... and I bet your dad will come around, too. Just study hard, get a good education (or learn a trade) and plan for your great future. When you meet the person you want to share your life with you will look back and see it was all worth it and nothing else will matter.
Good for you on being a survivor...it can be so hard to deal with the Church who proclaims that God is love, yet on the other hand show much disdain for the lgbtqia+ community. Chin up, and hang in there...I swear it does get better...
Sorry I just found your story earlier today. It's great that you have friends and brothers and you mom who are supportive of you. I'm in the process of my own coming out story. I have the same fears you had. Even though I live in a more accepting area of the country, many of my friends are not supportive of homosexuality and make fun of it constantly. Thank you for making this video and inspiring many others like me in our own journeys! I would love to see an updated video on how everything is going!
Thanks so much,
Brooks M.
Brooks - then they're not true friends. Find Gay friends. They will become your family. You have to put yourself first as a Gay man and to learn to take care of yourself. You do not need people in your life who berate you or diminish you. You need people who respect and love you.
I'm proud of you for being mature beyond your years! Stay strong!
Elijah I too am Catholic however I Came Out much later in life than you did. One of my dearest friends in this world is a Catholic Priest. While having dinner with him and another friend that I had already Come Out to the subject of Gays came up. At that point I sort of gave the nod to our other friend that was with us that I wanted to talk to Father. She said she had to go to the bathroom and excused herself. When she left I said Father there is something I need to tell you and I proceed to Come Out to him. He looked me straight in the eyes and said Jim God made you in His image you are a good man and always remember Jesus loves you and I love you. Elijah remember God made you in His image Jesus loves you. Hopefully your life is full of joy and love.
Please make an updated video letting us know how you are doing.
If "straightness" or "religion" drive a wedge between you and people whom you love and ought to love, then there's something profoundly wrong with their views and attitudes and actions. You can't let those notions stay in your head and haunt you. They can change. It's their responsibility, their loss, if they don't.
Very well said. It is definitely their loss if they don't change
Good video, and you are an impressive young man. I did sense the pain when you spoke of your father not accepting your being gay, but I bet that over time he will accept it and also your sisters. Best of luck to you.
The whole "coming out" nonsense whether as fat, bi, gay, or trans or any other identity group has become a fad. People make videos of their "coming out" to parents and friends, then play the professional victim card followed by all the other members in their victim group telling them how brave and beautiful they are and rage against anyone that dares to disagree ... it is pure comedy ... LOL.
As someone who is still in the closet, I still have these fears of being outed involuntarily or receiving a negative response when I come out to someone. This is why I am extremely picky when it comes to who I come out to, and I make sure to remind them that they are very special in my eyes because of the huge amount of trust I am giving them. But now I’m in college. Although I go to a university in Tennessee, a lot of the people here are surprisingly accepting, and this has led me to feel more comfortable with the idea of a good number of people that know the real me. (As of now, I’ve only told one new person at my college, and I plan on telling everyone in a club I’m in very soon.) As for family, it’s a little more complicated. My parents are Greek Orthodox, a sect of Christianity not too fond of homosexual relationships. However, it’s unclear as to whether they actually hold homophobic beliefs. When my cousin came out as gay, my parents didn’t congratulate him, but they weren’t upset with him either. They just didn’t bring it up. I have a feeling that my mom would be a little more accepting than my dad though, considering that I naturally connect with her more than with my dad. As for siblings, I have two younger sisters, neither of whom is as religious as my parents. I have a feeling that the younger sister will be very accepting since she is very aware and supportive of LGBTQ+ people. As for the older sister, she isn’t that enthusiastic, but we’ve been ‘best friends’ since we were little, so I feel she would accept me and not care, which is perfectly fine with me.
Thank you for sharing. We need more young people to tell their story. Bravo!!!
You are so very very brave you're awesome and never forget that you're a strong man.... and God loves you regardless of who you decide to love...!!😇😊🥰
Just feel my love, thats all I want. I went through almost exactly the same thing. But it was a long time ago. I have since lived a happy, magical, and amazing life, and being gay has given me the perspective to live well, and love as hard and as authentically as anyone.... You can do the same..
Great job. By now, I hope you’ve met someone meaningful. If not, you will, give it time. 👍
Elijah. What a brave young man you are to post your story. While I know you will want to remain close to your family trust me when I say that if you go off to a good liberal college you will find a world of change acceptance and further growth. If I can help you with that feel free to reach out.
It's 2022, and I'm interested in know how you have got on since this. Has life improved for you and have any family members or friends come around and now support you? You are a strong person and deserve respect and better people in your life.
I know this video is older but sending my love and support to you.
im happy for you coming out! i think its easier to do it earlier - even with the short term issues - because you can then start living your authentic life - without the need to shed too much baggage...
i have a mormon friend who is gay. he is one of 8 kids. all 3 brothers are cool with it, while 3/4 sisters are totally against it. i usually think of women as just being more accepting (empathetic) in general, so that seems interesting. both parents are ok with it and actually quit parts of the church because they fought for him to no success. but they just deal with it. my friend is married now and the spouse is fully part of the fam now just like all the other spouses.
so basically just keep this in mind - how the anti-gay family members reacted initially was probably the worst point and will only get better from here as they get used to it, see you date, fall in love, get pushback from the accepting family members, etc. and if they dont, its really their decision and their loss and dont feel bad about it. religion and choosing what parts to believe are the actual "choices" here....
PROMETHEUS UNBOUND
Thanks for sharing your timeless story that still speaks to an expanding audience of visitors to your channel. Hope this finds you healthy and well after five years since you posted your story.
Your large wall poster speaks loudly. You are unbound, like Prometheus in Greek mythology. Prometheus is known for his intelligence and for being a champion of humankind, and those of some of your evident characteristics including a wry sense of humor. The whimsical wall-poster painting of a horse lying on a couch and sharing his problems with a psychotherapist invites multiple interpretations, but that curious picture must have been quite significant to you at a difficult time in your life, to monopolize the wall space in your room.
Your story brings to mind a gay friend of mine in college who felt tightly bound by harmful social and religious norms throughout high school in Mississippi. To exorcise his strong, repressed feelings he took a series of photos of himself naked in a secluded woods, tied by long, thick ropes to a huge tree wider than his body with his arms, legs and chest bound tightly to the tree like a prisoner against his will, during the summer after graduation before he moved far away from home to go to college. His collection of "Bound" photos were exhibited for a week at a local art gallery. When he showed the photos to me while I was a guest in his home for a weekend, I immediately knew what he was trying to say. He wanted to talk, and I listened.
Elijah That's good you were able to make a video about your coming out your really courageous, and I feel for your situation. I personally don't think religion is a valid excuse for not being accepting by family whether someone be gay or anything else because Jesus said to love EVERYONE. Your really cute, and if I was in your school I'd probably ask you out after hearing you be outed (can rarely be a good thing being outed but lets other gays know you are one of them). I hope you all the best!
I want you to know that it doesn’t matter of what your parents feel about it it is what you feel and what you feel is right for you don’t let people tell you how to live your life in the way that they want you to live it you should live your life in a way that you should live it not for others because if that does happen you should get away from them for awhile and I can’t except you then they are the ones she was going to put religion over to you so don’t let people tell you how to live your life because it is very destructive lifestyle for that and don’t let people tell you how to live your life because it’s your life even if it is for the good or for the better or for the worse
Just be lucky that I did not disown you
Don’t worry kid, you are ok just the way you are 👍
Thankyou for sharing your experience. It's rarely smooth sailing for everyone but time and life change many things. Making that first step and then the momentum that follows is quite scary but in time you will feel more free and accepted. Religions in general have a great propensity to judge people and categorise us as wrong and evil. Reality is that we are just like everyone else flawed, imperfect and wonderful People who battle for a long time with acceptance and feeling welcome in a world that is all to judgemental and cruel.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and please don't you worry you will find happiness and even if your family has split views regarding your sexuality it's worth being OK with your true self. You inspire me a lot. I'm also gay.
All the best with your new found freedom. 😊🙏🏼