Beyond the Rainbow: The Everyday Struggles of Being Gay

[@jyd9591]

Hate is one part ignorance, one part the way you were brought up, and one part fear. Unfortunately, the atmosphere in this country now is that it's acceptable to openly demonstrate your hate, especially towards trans people. I've been around the block a few times and one interesting thing that I've observed is that quite often once a hater meets and actually talks and connects with someone they were hell bent on hating, a lot of times they realize they were hating simply out of habit and it gives them pause, at the very least. And I'm living proof that a friendship and a bond can even form with someone who once hated your guts for being gay. Thanks again for an excellent video, James.

[@JosephMay-gp8mo]

I'm sorry James that's the hate we as gay people have to live with. It's not right or fair. I love you both so much.

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

What sustains me is my Irish Catholic faith and among traditional (pre-Vatican II) Catholics, I’ve had total acceptance about my being gay - during Covid, since returning to my faith 18 years ago after being rejected by the gay community (where prejudice and discrimination from within the gay community is a huge issue) I taught myself to Pray the Rosary in Latin which is a great comfort - and I also attend the Traditional Mass in Latin every Sunday at a local church that does the TLM, even though Pope Francis is trying to ban the Latin Mass

[@andywillis3723]

James, you verbalized how we live succinctly. I Love your videos and hope it promotes more compassion and acceptance worldwide. Best to you and your husband for a 2025 filled with good fortune. Namaste.

[@prmgr0767able]

James, you did hit the nail on the head. First, I am SO GLAD that you and Daniel are happy together. I envy you guys so much. Now, to apologize for that, I did not mean anything harsh. I have lived in the closet, because of the RANCID, NASTY people out there, who think that THEY are the only right people in the world. I was BORN this way, and they have NO RIGHT to give me an attitude for being this way. I keep my mouth shut, when I see str8 people, showing affection in public. I feel that I AM MORE INTELLIGENT than those who choose to insult gays for showing affection in public. Why can't THOSE PEOPLE keep THEIR mouths shut? I will tell you why- they are IGNORANT. (Sorry- I am venting, right now.) THANK YOU for putting up this video. And, let me say, that I am SO HAPPY that you are dealing with this unfair thinking of some less than intelligent people, who do not realize that our ways are NOT a choice. Keep up the good work, James. Hugs from a GAY reader. 😁

[@leeellis4394]

Love your videos. Your new year one was also great with your hubby. Keep being you. ❤

[@iamxjamesross]

Thanks! :D

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

@@iamxjamesrossI very much empathise, as a 54 years old conservative-minded Irish gay man with a later in life diagnosis of autism living 24 years in the U.K. as I’m also a traditional Irish Catholic Patriot - we level-headed gay people have much to contribute to society and to western civilisation and for me, it’s a moral and ethical issue that we are not being accepted and points to the hypocrisy of some who claim to have a moral compass, even within my own Irish cultural background and within Irish Catholic patriot circles, which for me, is a source of continued frustration 🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪😍

[@mxslick50]

In the motocross community, I have experienced totally opposite reactions, (to be fair the first was in a state more open, and my current state is very closed to the idea of gays being open.) In the early 90's when I started racing, I was very concerned about not "acting gay" at the track. After one other rider who was gay and I talked and met up, (we never hooked up or dated) I found out no one cared. It was refreshing to be able to joke around without worry. It even extended to the other riders protecting me. (I'll tell that story if anyone who replies wants to know.) Now where I am at, I have to be very careful at the track, and it sucks. I still get the enjoyment of riding and seeing my riding buddies at the track, but I cannot truly be me and it adds a lot of pressure I don't need. (Racing is hard enough as it is.) I am currently writing a novel based on my own past experiences, with the two leads being the different parts of me.

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

And by the way James, both you and your darling husband Daniel are so handsome, creative and talented - Much Love & Best Wishes to you both from the U.K. 🇮🇪☘️🇮🇪😍😍😍😍😍

[@CaporalCheese]

I'm sorry, I do not feel safe to talk about not general discrimination and personal discrimination, because If I say who is doing some bad things it could be a report or a social report even if not directly to police. I know those people and I do not want to put them in social scandal when they have very young kids. It's all on me and I can't even talk to anybody.

[@lyledal]

Twins? I mean, they say that married folks start to resemble each other over the years, but I don't think you two have quite morphed into that single look. 😂

[@eddiegardner8232]

I’m gay, married, and don’t experience any everyday struggles. There are probably some people who wouldn’t like it if they knew, but the people in my life don’t seem to care. If they mind their own business I don’t care what they think. We go where we want, but neither broadcast nor hide it. Things may get more pissy once Trump takes office.

[@vincentbarnes7839]

James what is pda

[@Keepthepeacesharethelove]

Public display of affection. For excample holding hands, kissing, putting your head on the shoulder of your lover, etc.

[@gehdochnicht]

You chose the title with chatgpt, didn't you?

[@iamxjamesross]

I thought I'd give it a go :P

[@michaeljohndennis2231]

@@iamxjamesrossI’ve discussed these issues at length with my friends Sr Brigid and Sr Carmel, who are enclosed Poor Clare Catholic Nuns in Dublin who are both former employers of my late father for decades since my childhood and personal friends since my 30’s and right from the moment that I came out as gay to them, the Mother Abbess and the Sisters have been totally accepting - in fact, I have been invited behind the Cloister of their Monastery when I visit from the U.K. and have been invited to take part in the Liturgy with the Community, including the Divine Office in Latin - most of my family have connections with various orders of Irish Catholic Religious Priests, Friars and Nuns who are also friends of our family in Rural Ireland

[@chrisalister2297]

I can't but help laugh at your opening of your biggest struggles in today's society. I'm 53 years old and unlike today's generation that wants to have nothing to do with the older generations, I've heard many stories from those who are no longer with us. Their struggles would make your pretty little tattoos run for their life. Your struggles are a joke compared to the real struggles that gay men have dealt with in the past 100 years. You're just not really that important to listen to.