Coming Out at My High School Graduation

As the class president at my school I was asked to make a speech at our graduation. this is what I decided to say. I decided to talk about my struggle growing up as a gay child. It is so important to embrace your differences. be yourself and never let anyone tell you that you can't
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[@evergreen6702]

and they sparkled, SPARKLED! i like sparkles :D

[@darianneustaeter6702]

I chose a subtle colour; bright purple with glitter! 😂

[@kevin_in_207]

Beautiful story. Unfortunately for me, I waited 36 years after discovering my sexuality at age 12. But things were much different in 1978. Please respect the efforts of those who have made it better by learning the history of LGBT rights and urging others to do the same. Keep a place in your heart for those who didn't make it. The young people who became victims of homophobia and those who took their own lives because they couldn't handle being gay in a world that was unaccepting. But most of all, it is essential that we maintain the fight for global acceptance, keeping in mind that some teens somewhere in the world are forced to keep their secret to avoid execution. Go forth, be strong, and be proud of who you are.

[@guitaria6]

Kevin_in_207 i wish you’re happy now, and being yourself. :)

[@cepfins4875]

IM GAY AND I DONT CARE WHO KNOWS!

[@snovaspectre2]

CepFins WE ARE LOUD AND PROUD! WOOO

[@guitaria6]

CepFins ME TOO!

[@bedouincheetahgirl]

This video inspired two monumental moments, the time I came out to my mom, and the moment I painted my nails purple with glitter.

[@neocaine1829]

Wow, only positive comments! I loved that speech! You're so brave. Good job, man!

[@WillLivingston0]

Thank you so much for your support!

[@cepfins4875]

it was fucking awesome!

[@keanadianne]

THIS SHIT IS GONNA LAND YOU ON ELLEN. PREACH BABY 👑💖

[@christiancabrera3893]

Gave me chills when I first heard it, and it gave me chills again watching this. This takes some guts, and I have an immense respect for you, Will. You're the fucking man. I love you dude, and I'll be seeing you real soon. You haven't moved on from all of croton yet :)

[@WillLivingston0]

Christian Cabrera you rock yo. Thank you for your support and I'll see you at Bing next year bruh :)

[@gkuntz]

Will- You don't know me, but I wanted to say thank you so much for sharing this incredibly moving speech. When I was in the Croton School system (many moons ago) I, too, felt the pain and fear of being who you were. It was so bad that I actually transferred in High School because I couldn't take it! Thank you for showing that town who you are and how amazing it is to accept all who walk thorough the grounds of CHHS. Congratulations, and best of luck in your future.

[@alanjohnson2662]

the main message here is to be yourself. It applies to everyone.

[@lpsstarboy1657]

I Just Came Out Today At My School That I Am Not A Girl, I Am A Boy, And That I Am Not Straight, I Am Pansexual. This Video Helped Me So Much, Thank You, I Am Going To Go To The Store And Buy Some Purple Sparkly Nail Polish Now In Celebration! XD

[@caityowl3752]

Yass, do it!

[@mlgdoge1692]

congrats

[@BrookeMaloney_google]

Um, hello! Im about to go to a new middle school this year and meet loads of new people and I was wondering how to come out to so many at once so that everybody knows. I just want people to know who I am so that I won't have to come out over and over to everybody individually. You seem to have done it successfully, any tips?

[@WillLivingston0]

Hey! I don't know if this question was directed to me entirely but i'll try and help in any way I can! You don't need to make some grand gesture to let everyone know that you're out unless that's what you're comfortable with! Letting people know can be as simple as just casually discussing your sexuality if the topic comes up! Unless you absolutely need everyone at your school to know right away, the best bet to create a safe environment for yourself at your new school would be to just tell the people you trust! You certainly don't have to come out over and over again if you speak openly about your sexuality when it comes up then people will usually pick up the hint! For me, it certainly got easier to tell people I was gay as I told more people and eventually I no longer really had to say anything :)

[@BrookeMaloney_google]

Will Livingston oh thank you! it's not urgent for everybody to know right away, really the reason is that if other people are out there who are questioning or have questions or need support at my school will know that i am a good person to go to, as i am there for them, and that i have felt the same as them. (and so if any gals out there like me they aren't: "hey hey hey... dangit she's probably straight blargh" although that probably won't happen i mean come on)

[@kyraleigh6943]

I'm crying because of how amazing this actually is❤️🌈 IT EVEN SPARKLED!!!! 😂❤️🌈😘

[@kolent5292]

HE IS SO CUTE PAINTING THE NAILS PURPLE ?

[@asrabautista5588]

when i was in the car on the way to school i listened to this with my headphones then i took them of and said "mom so yesterday you said i know someday you'll find the perfect man well i'm pansexual and i like every genender no matter what and i had a girlfriend before she was our next door neighbor monse"she then stopped the car and i thought she was going to say get out of my car and don't come back home but she then hugged me and said" i love you no matter who you love and really i never really liked monse!

[@martavictoire9273]

I'm so happy there are only positive comments, it looks like people finally start to accept the fact that everyone has a right to be themselves. Congrats on graduating, I loved every second of the video, you are very brave. You go, Will! :)

[@WillLivingston0]

Aw thank you so much:)

[@bailey648]

Awesome speech Will! Very touching! And congrats on your graduation as well! -CHHS class of 2001 Alumni

[@samh4364]

SO PROUD OF YOU!! I LOVE YOU!!!

[@WillLivingston0]

Sam H THANKS FOR HAVING MY BACK GURL luv u cousin :)

[@firecat8371]

I'm crying rn this is so inspirational I just 😭😭😭 your so beautiful!!!

[@Isabella2mowat]

Thank you for a generous, funny, and well written speech!

[@bridgethagerty9311]

Wow this is beautiful and all around perfect. So proud of you for being so brave and true to yourself! Xoxo

[@mindymyers9285]

This is amazing☺️😘!!!! Can I just say that you ROCK!😂❤️

[@WillLivingston0]

Mindy Myers Thank you so much!

[@rachelnorfleet4797]

LOVE this! Congratulations on your graduation, William, and on this remarkable speech. Yay you!

[@frankie1465]

I love this so much! Thanks for sharing your story and helping inspire people like the younger you to be who they are. :-)

[@veronicaltf6]

That was so amazing

[@WillLivingston0]

Veronica Iero thank you so much :)

[@celinepond1491]

Great job-awesome speech, awesome message. Truly inspiring. Have fun at college and keep being you!! :)

[@michaelbloesche4050]

Congratulations, that was a great speech! You have done so many positive things for other gay young men just by being open and lovable yourself. I hope you are continuing to live your life and being happy. Peace, Michael

[@tinkxx9194]

I'm bi and my brother is gay. I'm dating a guy and my dad doesn't know I'm bi. Sometimes he makes these remarks "at least your not gay" could that be my chance to say I've dated girls before and I'm bi? I'm sick of the remarks. Of course no one likes my brother is gay but they still love him...

[@sueb2g]

Very brave. Engaging and eloquent too! BRAVO!!

[@tliving25]

Well done Will. You are amazing.

[@Sisalicious21]

Will This was the best speech ever!!! I'm so proud of you!!

[@kaylasymons1820]

this is great - im waiting for the right moment to come out and this is giving me the courage to do so. kudos on this :)

[@WillLivingston0]

Stay strong and make sure you stay comfortable and safe! I'm sending you lots of love and I have full faith that you can live the beautiful life you're meant to live!

[@kaylasymons1820]

this means everything to me. thank you so much :))

[@Bluebell42069]

this speech really inspired me for being different and that its ok. it made me feel really positive, and its ok that i like both genders, thank you

[@contingent1]

Damn, I feel the same way. But I could never come out to my class or family like that. 😂

[@WillLivingston0]

You can take your time! It's always important to make sure you're going at your own pace and doing what makes you happy!

[@isaiahsattler2510]

yasssss...you slayed that speech

[@MarkPoling]

Incredibly brave. Go forth and do good!

[@urgranddma]

Omg this was so perfect!!! I'm still not sure about me because I tend to not think about stuff like that a lot but one day I'll know and my parents said they will love me no matter what even if I'm L,G,B, or T!!

[@djiskindacool2905]

Or T2 or Q or Q2 or I or A or A2 or P

[@alyxxjayde]

I WASNT READY FOR THE FEELSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

[@pechemallow]

Good for him 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@raghebbarake4655]

best motivational speech ever, you are amazing ❤

[@XyName]

Coming out. I could tell within the first ten seconds. Sympathic guy

[@BoomBlockGaming]

Fuck yeah!So happy for you!

[@Garden..of..eden7]

So inspirational I loved how you yelled out IM GAY!!!!! Like yussssss queen slay with ur purple glitter nails

[@kevinwinfree4600]

Amazing speech. 👍. You’re gonna go so far in life!

[@sethdavis331]

Well done! Seth Davis CHHS '68

[@SoulTalesAC]

0:49 "he's gay" XDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

[@rileykaye2001]

Your speech was hilarious and brave!

[@sketchyskies8531]

I plan on doing this at my graduation,but instead of gay, I'm subtlety going to write an LGBT senior quote that says, "Some people like cake,and others like ice cream. I can't have one without the other because that's just stupid. I'm also a secret agent: Agent Ace"

[@djaj9393]

this is so amazing!...im actually going to try and come out today or during the week sooo.... wish me luck I guess 😥

[@leemealandthejourney9015]

you are the bravest person i know

[@sunbeaminblack]

Congratulations!!! This is beautiful! ^_^

[@lordkensington561]

Good for you!!! Well done.

[@tigerchip]

I came out to my best friend, that I am FTM. All she did was yell ''You're a girl! You're a girl! You're a girl! You're a girl!''

[@tamiag2285]

this is the best im crying

[@victoriasnacks4u]

love this! happy for you :D

[@zeldalinktriforce2898]

I. Cant. Stop. Watching.

[@cluny400]

great,only positive comments

[@cepfins4875]

because love is a winner

[@k4ndelai588]

I love your personality ♥

[@MAXIMUS-yk5vs]

Not gonna lie. I feel like painting my nails with glittery nail polish rn

[@jathanrunningrabbit4748]

This made me so happy

[@TyWest57]

Well played, man.

[@nozzle1430]

congratulations

[@ash_outcastsofsuburbia]

So much braver then me

[@Guest04320]

I wish I went to Croton

[@emilysheppard4971]

I love this so much😂🏳️‍🌈💜 congrats!!

[@larissainaction]

hi. i don't know how to come out

[@harpervalleypeeteeay9708]

Im transgender

[@jodie9690]

your nails sparkled but im sure you sparkled the most

[@cherrylove4933]

I love and support the LGBT community

[@SharkRoyale]

woohoo!!

[@stevequinn9617]

Wait! The voice didn't give it away to anyone? But cool video.

[@MAXIMUS-yk5vs]

Epic

[@azael2078]

Doggies!

[@ka111ey]

can iI fight out kindergarten swim coach

[@imgay9851]

Omg this is so cute!!!(L)GBT+ 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈❤️❤️❤️