Coming Out About the Barrier I Did Not Break... | Landon Foster | TEDxUSF

In this important talk "Coming Out About the Barrier I Did Not Break Because of the Courage I Did Not Have," Landon discusses breaking the barriers of comfort and acceptance in our lives. Landon shares his passion for promoting self-worth and learning from the world around us through the conversation of LGBTQ+ visibility in athletics. Landon is a 23 year old non-degree seeking student at the University of South Florida Saint Petersburg. He played football for four years at the University of Kentucky where he was an All-American on the field and a 2x Academic All-American. Landon studied Finance and Marketing at the University of Kentucky and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 3.92 GPA. He is currently applying to Master of Finance programs with a desire to kickstart his business career. Through the conversation of the role of identity in athletics, Landon wants to discuss the barrier he did not break and how we must be willing to have the courage to live authentically, walk alone in our life path, and embrace failure. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@mcelromd]

I’m from Kentucky and in the military since 2001, coming out in Kentucky was not an option, coming out in the military was not allowed, things have definitely changed, for the better.

[@mcelromd]

Scott Wilhelms thanks for your service brother, I’m still in about 18 months until I retire, I joined in 2001 in July, I’ve done the hardest jobs to make time fly especially during don’t ask don’t tell, but my career has been enlightening and fulfilling, unfortunately there’s still a stigma regarding active duty LGBT Sailors, so I’m glad to be moving on after retirement. Thanks for the reply.

[@mcelromd]

Lucio Martínez Thank you and be safe out there 😎

[@mcelromd]

Lucio Martínez Thank you 🙏🏼 🥰

[@scubawrestler]

My 22 years in the Army, I had to hide completely. It was an offense worthy of prison back then, until "Don't ask, don't tell" which would only get one a "General Discharge", also not a good option.

[@05Sun08OlympiaLuna]

I want someone like him. 😍 He's got the brain, brawn, good looks, and big heart. Whomever he marries, is going to be one lucky man. 😊

[@michaelbenti5383]

I was kinda thinking the same thing while watching lol.

[@escanor7938]

He is so my type

[@nk6772]

I couldn't agree more with you!

[@key745]

@@escanor7938 EXACTLY!!! HOT AF

[@savantcrystian2686]

@@michaelbenti5383 same

[@Ennatol]

When I was young, there were a group of boys on my school bus that would cut my hair, throw glue at me and tell me I was broken and useless. It really messed me up. I refused to go to school some days because I was scared of the bus. My dad called the police on me and had me escorted to school multiple times because I would scream at him that these boys where going to hurt me. And he never believed me. The chance that you will actually read this is slim and the chance that you remember your actions on a school bus have probably long since been forgotten. But remember. You are the only one that can judge your worth. And I hope one day your children will know that, too.

[@georgiejulius556]

I'm currently in quarantine rn reading this, and my classmates is doing the same before our class got suspended and stay home. I know that for some, this covid crisis is such a burden, but for me I finally feel like I can breathe again and not feel anxious. So all this remaining days of quarantine, I'm going to find myself and self worth. Possibly learn to stand up for myself. (excuse my poor english, not my 1st language)

[@Ennatol]

@@georgiejulius556 It's not a life if you're only able to breathe alone. I've struggled with self-worth for a long time but I understand that people will see me in a better light than I see myself a lot of the time. It's wonderful that you're learning to see yourself more positively!

[@geraldriviera9791]

@@georgiejulius556 you are beautiful inside out and you matter . don't let others to push you down.

[@sunnydelight5255]

​@@georgiejulius556Very sorry for both of you. Yes stand up. When bullies see a hint of anger they get scared. Display your anger. Bullies never pick on those they think will say or do something to them.

[@ronsmith4328]

Great presentation. Well done. In future, your husband is going to be one very lucky man. All the best.

[@cyberbitus]

We love you, Landon. Thank you for all of us. 🤗

[@drew-andresvogt652]

Thank you Landon, for being a supportive example of courage to many.

[@FINEDIAMOND]

He is awesome, articulate, polished, and so handsome! I would love to meet him and wish him all the happiness in the world.

[@historydude]

Way to go, Landin! You've given courage to other kids who feel different.

[@weareyourtest6029]

historydude landon

[@craiglaforest]

You are the type of person who is perfect to talk to young and old people about simply being LGBTQI. And you are kind. Best wishes mate.

[@erwinkumadjawa9497]

Landon is handsome, brave, talented, successful, and kind.. Such a dream man to have for romance.... His words about embracing failures are INSPIRING... Failure is a part of everyone's journey and it provides us a lot of values to take for our better lives... Only if we choose to focus on the positivity and not the negativity, as Landon says....

[@Clintsessentials]

Amazing speech & presentation! Life is too difficult when we are not being ourselves.

[@davidmaier343]

Beautifully spoken

[@JamesAllen-im6eq]

He may not have broken the barrier while at Kentucky, but he's figured out that he has a story that can weaken it now.

[@richardkarnes5286]

Bravo, Landon for learning so much in just 22 years. Just keep in mind that for some people, coming out is not just a question of courage. Coming out is sometimes a risk to that person's life. You can only come out when you feel safe enough to do so. I'm happy that you were offered that safety. And I praise you for your courage and your new philosophy of life. Everyone one of us can learn a great deal through your brave steps and I pray that your life will be filled with joy, more and more strength, deep friendship and lasting love.

[@isla25]

What an incredibly articulate and brave young man, our community needs more people like him.🌈

[@travisgrant5608]

Bravo Landon! Your a HERO more then you'll ever know. Well done my son. Well done. 💖 "👍"

[@dbulmannz]

Such an amazing talk. Good luck with your future.

[@yoranidiot]

All the best in life to you, Brandon. At 60, I'm still facing these same roadblocks in my life and family times. Stay well and cool, man! Go Huskers :)

[@user-sn6jv5dv9s]

*Landon

[@ericgomez386]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@paulmiller3509]

Landon , thank you. You are amazing. You will help to show others the way. God bless you.

[@marth9660]

Loved your TedTalk. I’m 66. Came out age 18 in 1971. It wasn’t easy (working class background in a tough Scottish city) but I didn’t hesitate for a minute. I knew even then this was a natural unchangeable facet of my being... a good thing and despite occasional hostility (sometimes violent) and definite discrimination I’ve never lowered my head for one second. I’m active in sports (soccer and boxing) and believe as much now as I did then that visibility is everything. The need for people to trailblaze is as great now as it ever was. Well done and I know life will be good to you. 👏🏼❤️

[@rrondon3280]

Doing what you did, much respect to you then mate.

[@lavanya_4994]

10:37 damn that smilee❤🏳️‍🌈

[@gersongodoy8738]

😀😍

[@jamesk8s1]

WOW, what an amazing human being! Wishing you a life that is fulfilling and true! Your story will inspire and touch the hearts of many!!

[@okimlistening2u]

Thank you, Landon. You have found the real path to happiness: BE WHO YOU ARE. You are wise........Ray

[@taniatanner7483]

Well said ! thank for being honest .

[@randymorgan8375]

He's going to make some young man happy..

[@rkeller8141]

The courage to be your authentic self has been slow coming for me. Still caught up with my self-loathing and that I’m not normal? Of course I understand that few humans are normal. Excellent Ted Talk Landon, much respect for you.

[@lorenfay7010]

awesome remarks, Landon Foster, we never know how it might go after coming out. I was lucky to work at a welcoming place, so when I was ready, it was easier to come out... good luck in your future and life in whatever you do in life. You will be a star in life. xox

[@scubawrestler]

Thank you for this. God bless you.

[@kevinpoole6122]

Many thanks and every blessing to you, young man.

[@simonbrooke3440]

You've struggled and come through those struggled. Great talk - well done!

[@sweetbb125]

Thank you for sharing your story so professionally.

[@dodgecoffman9794]

Great speech!

[@wingatemose1182]

Go Landon go big man you have my love and respect. You can be anything you want but please handsome young man be happy being you. Peace !

[@desysanjay]

Awesome job Landon......

[@L-mo]

7 mins in and he really had my attention

[@edwardfranks5215]

Whomever he marries, he is going to be one lucky man or Whoever he marries is going to be one lucky man.

[@JeffMende]

Landon, I am 64 now.....I came out at 24.....Thanks for the Ted talk.....You are a handsome, athletic and courageous man......Today, I will be just that, courageous, handsome and embrace the unknown.....Go Wildcats....jeff

[@markanthonyagna5511]

I love this courageous man

[@GGreen-yf2xk]

You are so handsome. Some guy's gonna luck out meeting you.

[@zimzimzalabim]

Looks aren't everything. This is part of the point he was trying to make. Whoosh.

[@mwoz14222]

Why? Cause hes good looking? He could be a horrible boyfriend. Selfish. Never remember your bday. Stop assigning all your admiration based on looks

[@zimzimzalabim]

@@mwoz14222 thank you. Glad to know there's other people with common sense. Wait until some good looking person break OP's heart.

[@jaxw2628]

He's also smart, athletic, caring, etc…

[@doggyblues]

Though, I do agree with your point...there's literally a video capturing his personality above.

[@victorcristian8338]

We are all worth so much and we all have so much potential so don't stop believing in yourself

[@Clintsessentials]

Absolutely!

[@BrianChambersUnique319]

Excellent

[@gonderage]

Repping USF, ill be going there sometime later, go Bulls!

[@south301976]

This was an awesome speech!!! You should be proud of who you are.

[@Clintsessentials]

Absolutely!

[@Indianaguy72]

He seems really sweet.

[@cazb5777]

Well said Landon! Wishing you a wonderful future!

[@delldirks3726]

awe

[@jacobusvdmerwe910]

Young man ..you have courage. God bless..remember He loves you no matter what!

[@MrPrentissDJones]

I believe that was the best thing you could do, I too lived (born & raised) in Tennessee and that’s why am in New York City now. It’s just too dangerous for you to have spoken up at that point in time.

[@BSON900]

I'm in Nashville and still feel shaky here.

[@dakotabrogan60]

He’s perfect

[@Clintsessentials]

Are you implying that somehow you are less? You're worth it!!! 😉

[@danapriyadixon3470]

Brilliant talk Landon. Thanks so much. 💖💖💖

[@paragrane4760]

Salute to your courage

[@tampazeke4587]

Bravo Landon! Well done. I came out at Ole Miss in the 1980's. I fully appreciate every word you said.

[@meenyminymoe]

Congratulations, Landon. Great, courageous speech!

[@lkmsl]

This man is my hero!

[@berlinerrose]

This young man is most definitely top quality husband material!!!!

[@jerrysmith7449]

Top quality person material. I hope that he and his future husband want children - those children would be so lucky from a person who is unafraid to look at challenges, including those from within, with an eye to solving problems and creating opportunities! Great job, Landon! Best wishes!

[@calvinjackson8110]

I agree.

[@manudassault3547]

Nice speech.

[@brucepunches4282]

Excellent presentation. Your comparisons between the past and the present were well done. Way to go!

[@LenHealsU]

Congratulations Landon for your courage to come out like you did! You're a great inspiration to others, including me, who has had 1 foot stuck in the closet for decades. Gays are just as loving, caring, sharing, persevering, human beings as Straights. Analogy: Why is a certain percentage of the population left handed, while the majority is right handed?

[@mosichat]

Very cool!

[@escanor7938]

He is so my type

[@simtrate3959]

No one cares what your type is. Don't try to make this about you trivial person.

[@cloudofreverie786]

Of course your type is white.

[@SuperMovieLvr933]

@@cloudofreverie786 Anyone else here just like not have a type? For me, any healthy guy I'm pretty much open to.

[@jamesforeman3096]

his hand movements are adorable lol

[@AndrewHarbaugh]

So true! He is so brave and vulnerable. I am inspired.

[@firefox39693]

It's so weird reading my name everywhere. LOL

[@thomasmulroney2065]

You need to be cloned so we can all have one of you. You are strong and amazing

[@pauldale6483]

Good for you Landon from London England

[@calvinjackson8110]

So handsome and intelligent and young. You will make someone an excellent husband. Whoever that may be will be so blessed.

[@billytxn]

I came out in 1990 at age 30. Things have changed since then for the better.

[@Moosedog9]

Thank you thank you thank you: if you can play, You Can Play Loud and Proud ❤️👊🏻🙏🏻

[@joseemanuel7157]

So Brave and that Smile ! Thanks for make the difference. -José E.

[@kaigeddes]

Why is the cadence always the same with TED talks?

[@johnclymer4152]

Lack of time, very short limits!

[@Dr_JSH]

People who give TED Talks become interested in doing a TED Talk by watching TED Talks. They also watch TED Talks to learn how successful TED Talks differ from dull TED Talks.

[@sammoulsdale701]

They have to write their speeches as scripts and then get coached by TED on how to recite them

[@dahdream6044]

Love yourself king!!!!!

[@dickpet]

GREAT JOB, LANDON!! OUR CONSTITUTION WAS SUPPOSED TO GUARANTEE THAT ALL PEOPLES RIGHTS, FREEDOMS ARE PROTECTED UNDER LAW...THAT'S WHY 'ALL LIVES MATTER'. BUT IT'S HYPOCRICY FROM RELIGIOUS ALTERS THAT TRY FEVEROUSLY TO 'SLAM' PEOPLE WHO ARE 'DIFFERENT' OR THINK DIFFERENTLY! IT'S TIME TO STAND UP, AND SPEAK OUT AGAINST THEIR HERESY AND DISGUST!!!

[@Clintsessentials]

Riiiiiiiight???

[@charleskesner1302]

Wonderful talk. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[@Joshua-dc1bs]

He's so handsome

[@iwnunn7999]

I just gave u your 600th like

[@JimmiAlli]

Landon is so cute

[@michaelpeck5887]

He looks so much like Landon Foster!

[@dutchik5107]

I dunno his last name. But it's a landon

[@peterreed8595]

You're so handsome and charming! whom ever will be your l partner will be the luckiest in the world because you're so perfect.

[@calvinjackson8110]

I agree.

[@a-dbliss3657]

Min 11

[@georgewestlake8988]

Very handsome guy

[@duhprofezzor9805]

We’re so glad that you are proud, because today an alien kneed down beside the secretary who was setting appointment to imply that he wanted to blow me. He was using the situation to set it up, and make it real by framing it in my imagination. I feel so humiliated. I am so ashamed. He broke the barrier.

[@ENARM-dt3by]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@braddahg]

6:10 Coming out of the closet is a nerve wracking experience. It changes people’s perceptions of you. I’m glad I did it. When you reveal your true self, and 95% of your friends accept you, what big accomplishment can you tackle next?

[@greathornedowl3644]

Great presentation, very well spoken, and a hot looking guy😉

[@usausa9239]

Thank you for being you 🙏

[@marcemileoosthuizen2079]

Love this talk, wow. Amazing!!

[@stmark4181]

He looks like a young JIM ACOSTA.

[@oliviakirby1409]

Acosta is a whiny little career victim, too! I'm sure that's the highest compliment you can give this bottom feeder.

[@Myneallmyneallmynea]

☮️✊🏼♥️🏳️‍🌈

[@juliendark4208]

Great talk Landon! Very inspiring

[@dandavis2435]

You nailed it, God blessed you and it shows, you belong more than you know. Love and support...

[@ddrissel]

Awesome speech! You have a real gift for communication.

[@Tripper111]

Dang Dude...

[@ratatataraxia]

That's OK honey, we forgive you. Some flowers just take longer to bloom than others.

[@andersb5007]

Beautiful man. Beautiful talk.

[@PhilVerryChannel]

That took courage I admire him for that.

[@ckkeck2003]

Congratulations. You have worked hard at finding your truth. I hope others dealing w authenticity can stumble across this Ted talk. It's unfortunate that people have to mention the exterior of you as if that makes any difference. I'm aware that the visual 'burden' of being an All American athlete made your journey last longer. I hope you are having a genuine and happy life... Again, thanks for your talk.

[@marty88ish]

Umm...well he’s beautiful.

[@nicolasmagalhaeslussim2711]

Okay nice talk but it's really not about courage for A LOT of people like most people have a lot to lose if they do come out

[@jayvelapetaje8524]

I want to be Mrs. Foster just now. His something I look up to😍

[@braepau2698]

He’s clearly nervous, good on him to get up there and break stigmas. 😅