Coming Out Story Update

[@cookiewilliams8926]

Keep living your life, Always remember this is your life not mom and dad or grandma or grandpa, You have to live for Christopher, You are worthy and you are loved

[@5BeardieBoys]

From a 66-year-old gay man, happily married (year & a half) --- My husband & I have been together for 23 years, and our parents passed away years ago. Neither of us had as difficult a time as you've described, but there were some rough times with our families. I'm writing to remind you about the wonderful things you've done... You are a smart, sharp young man, and you've sought help when you needed it. BIG IMPORTANT RIGHT CHOICE!!! In spite of others' views and beliefs, you're doing what you need to do to make your life happen the way you want/need. BIG IMPORTANT RIGHT CHOICE!!! It's going to be so fun for you to watch your life unfold: good looks, a tender and thankful heart, and a bright mind are all in your favor. The man you marry is going to be so very glad to have found you. David Williamson, TX

[@jnx6359]

Are you still alive?

[@Tripper111]

Glad you're doing good bro. You are a great guy.

[@ronniedavis1272]

what a lovely man

[@danielwilda8167]

Best wishes for success in your future endeavors. I can relate having been born into a Baptist church Cult You are making the proper decision. Leave t past in the past a don’t let it get you depressed. Best wishes for an awesome future 🌈keep us updated 🏳️‍🌈👍👍⭐️💙❤️💜💪🇺🇸

[@dustin5925]

hey, I am a fellow meteorologist and gay. I think you are awesome for being who you are. I came out to my parents in 2009 and they as far as I know was very ok with it even though they never really talked about it. I have brought my late husband home and they seem ok and welcomed him into their home. One day your family will realize what they are missing and come around and if not, you have a whole community of people that love you and are there for you.

[@vwestlife]

Thank you for sharing your story, Chris. I hope everything is going well in your life.

[@robertm.8608]

Christopher today I saw your "coming out" video and commented.Again...FYI:Dude your voice & lips absolutely drive me CRAZY...They are BEAUTIFUL.THAT ASSIDE:Its terrific you are moving...and finding yourself.I have many wonderful years living with a "Good Ol' Southern Baptist Boy"He knows the bible like the back of his hand...You take what's good and leave the rest behind.I've never done this but....I "Subscribed" and will look forward to keeping up with you.My Best....Robert

[@TTAAPPEESSTTRRYY]

Just watched both of your coming out videos. You first video had me gasping because you looked so emotionally raw. It was comforting to hear that you are moving forward in life. It has been a year since you posted the coming out update video. I sincerely hope that life is going well for you. As a gay man myself I know how challenging this journey can be.

[@livinginlux]

Shame on your family for treating you like that. You deserve so much better. You are a shining jewel of a son and grandson, how pitiful that your parents and grandparents are so blinded by prejudice and hate they can't see it. I apologize for speaking unkindly of them but it angers me that you, through no fault of your own, have been deprived of a loving family simply for living in your truth. Who the hell do those people think they are?

[@hierden1978]

OMG your first video made me cry. You seemed so lonely allthought you had friends and family. I still can't understand why we all just can't accept someone loving sombody else and don't worry about the gender.Have seen a lot of coming out stories and I hope that in the future these kind of videos won't be necessary anymore because people dont have to come out anymore, you can just be as you are.Wish you all the best on your new journey and hope you will find a place that you can call home.

[@stevejohnson1321]

My family took a good three years to come around, and the nasty comments continued for the first two of those years. I had my own apartment, and showed them out the door when they got unruly in my home. But I also got my Mom and Dad some printed matter on the topic, and I know they looked up some references on their own. Eventually they figured out I had not changed -- they had just found out something about me even I didn't yet understand. And I assured both parents they had done nothing that would have caused this -- for some individuals that's important to understand. I'm not saying you'll have the kind of resolution I did, but I am saying that it will take time if it happens. Sometimes cousins etc. who are understanding can be a go-between resource, but of course that's not always possible. I'm glad you're moving in a positive direction, and I wish you well.

[@billwagstaff9986]

Keep strong and true to yourself and don't be afraid. Good luck you're doing great 😀

[@CarlosPereira-mt6vw]

Hey Christopher, I hope you're well and doing what you love :) I'm 22, gay, and a meteorologist as well. I'm not sure if you will ever read this comment but your story really touched me, as i'm also moving out from my hometown here in Portugal, seeking more freedom and less family and society judgment. This type of stories have been inspiring me a lot to continue my coming out process. A giant hug for you!!

[@BrownsBacker]

Hey Christopher...hope all is going well...please update us...loved your videos and the strength it took to live your truth.

[@tahfaa66]

I hope everything has gone wonderful for you!!!

[@mkuch11]

You have a wonderful, kind and intelligent soul. I hope you are well and happy today.

[@ianward9157]

Very pleased to learn you are moving to Florida. Wishing you every happiness. XXX X

[@WaterJiang]

Hi Chris, thanks for sharing your encouraging story. Good luck with your new job.

[@anthonyevans6587]

Stay strong my friend. For me it got to the point that I told the parents that if they didn't start treating me like someone they loved I write them both out of my life PERMANENTLY. I would not call them or visit them for 10 years after that(took them 10 years to come to their senses because I was serious! But standing up for myself worked! Good luck!

[@doug18020]

Congrats on the new job and your new life in Florida. You've got a good grasp on life and you'll do just great. Keep the videos coming and let us know all about your new job/apartment/life.

[@JL-re1rx]

THANKS FOR SHARING! YOU'RE AWESOME FOR MAKING AND SHARING THESE VIDEOS!!!

[@danmills3273]

I just found your videos tonight. Sorry I wasn't around in 2014 to lend my support, but you have it now. I, too, ended up in Florida in pursuit of meteorology (at FSU), only very long ago in 1959 from Maryland. I was totally closeted for nearly 40 years, so I admire your determination to come out in half the time. I hope your job is affording you the financial stability to help find that special match you so deserve. I'm retired in the Ocala/Gainesville area and would be honored to meet you should our paths ever cross. Keep letting us know how things are going.

Your authenticity is remarkable! The world is blessed to have you. Any man would be fortunate to have you as a partner/husband! I wish you all that is good and nurturing!❣❣❣

[@Ross4340]

Best of luck and good wishes for your future in Florida!

[@slopbln3914]

Thank you for your honest and authentic video. I'm really impressed that you told us not only about your coming out story, but also about the reactions from those around you. I hope - no I'm sure, because you are are such a personable guy - that your wishes and ideas have been fulfilled in recent years. Greetings from Berlin, Germany

[@adyward1]

Hi Christopher. I know this video is a few years old, but hope you are settled and well? I am sorry your family reacted in the way they did to you coming out and can imagine how that must have made you feel. What I would like to say, as you probably know anyway, is that despite their deep seated religious views, if they are true Christians, I am sure that they love you. I'm two years out of synch in posting this, but hope that this has been your experience. Wishing you happiness from the UK.

[@davemarsteller8377]

So... We've missed your annual update... :) What's new? Here's hoping you are well! :)

[@JamesDavis-qd3sg]

Hello friend. My name is Jim and I'm from the Dallas, Texas area. When I was in the Navy, I was an AG (AEROGROPHER'S MATE) What the navy calls a meteorologist. I was stationed at NAS KEY WEST for a while. Weatherwise.it was simple. Every day was pretty much like the last one. The exception to this was when we had hurricanes. Exciting and stimulating. We actually got to practice under pressure that which we learned in school. I've been through 7 hurricanes and find them exciting and awe inspiring. Good luck with your new position. Hope to hear more from you in the future.

[@buckroberts77]

Congratulations !!! We moved from MN to Punta Gorda , Florida in April. New house build is coming along very fast!

[@luiscarracedo7793]

In your previous video I saw you so sad that I immediatly wanted to hug you to confort you. Hope everything is fine now. Take care!

[@barryfrye8210]

I and so many others know what you're going through. Given time, hopefully, your family will come to understand, respect, and accept you. Many of us have been where you are, feeling depression and bewildered. Keep reaching out for supporting friends. Smile often because you are even more handsome when you smile. I finally came to an understanding that God loves me regardless what anyone else says! Too, I am a recovering Southern Baptist. The best of luck in your life's adventures. Always keep an open channel for your family. They still love you regardless. And remember life is not a rehearsal. I wish I had come out earlier in life. I'm proud of you. God bless you Christopher.

[@Gene63]

Thank you for this video. Like you, I was raised in the Southern Baptist church but in a small town in North Texas. I was the pianist for my church and was there every time the doors were open. I came out when I went to college and lost my job, most of my church family, and some of my own family. It took me a long time to come to terms with my homosexuality and reconcile being a Christian because of the brainwashing that church did to me. I finally did and have never been happier. I now play in a Disciples of Christ congregation and they know about me, accept me, and love me. I pray for your success and your happiness as you move into new chapters and areas of your life. Good luck!!!

[@richardstokstad9271]

You were more courageous than me. I just moved from Iowa to California and basically never discussed it with my family.

[@Lander11112222]

Your pain is my strength. It shouldn't be that way. But, there it is.

[@ericbryce2]

I support you 100% and I concur that making this move is a good decision. By all means do make more videos. Glad to be a subscriber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Much love and support from Keith in LoUiSiAna

[@tomyy0842]

You are so inspiring. I hope you keep making videos!

[@larkpraise]

Chris, you are a beautiful man and more than that, a beautiful soul. You deserve everything good God has to give you. He loves you and accepts you as you are! My brother was gay and he didn't have the courage to come out like you and be happy. Sadly, he committed suicide because of rejection from most family and church members. He never had the chance to experience love which was true to his nature. I never rejected him. I miss him every day and pray he's found the peace you have found. You're a gentle, tender, sensitive soul and God has great plans for you. Never give up on yourself and don't give up on God! He's brought you this far and he will carry you through by finding your true soulmate who will be perfect for you. I encourage you to pray for your soul make, visualize him with all the qualities you want, then prayerize imaging the most beautiful man for you and the God will make it actualize for you! The Lord will never let you down. Not all Christians are of the mindset that gay is evil. These people are not well versed in scripture and take everything literally and fail to look at the context an sthe time which the Bible was written. All best wishes and live, your sister in Christ, Justine Martin.

[@francislaverycelebrityvide856]

Christopher yes friends and family can help you through difficult time s , its great you have given us a up date on how things have changed since your coming out video, i can tell your confidence has grown, i hope you have found happyness with a partner now , it would be great to get a new up date video from you for 2021

[@earlydable]

Hey thanks for the year later update. Care to make another? You’re great to share your story as you have. Thank you!

[@gr8god4u]

I was excommunicated from the Southern Baptist Church for reasons unrelated to this issue. it was for breaking a man-made rule that I was unaware of which was giving to a charity that wasn't on their approved list. like others you have a friend in me. grace and peace to you in your life in Lakeland.

[@harvey1965]

Gidday Mate. You sound like you've had a very very hard and sad journey coming out to your family. I had a similar experience when I was 19 years old with my mother. Years later she eventually came to deal with it and now 32 years later she adores my partner of 17 years! So things can change and people can grow. That however does in no way take away from the pain, loss and upset that occurs when those close to you are less than positive. It is apparent you have a beautiful heart and a kind disposition and though I am agnostic ... I believe your God would love and wholly approve of the man you are. Hold tight and know that around this wide world you belong to a family of people, who though unrelated by birth, all are part of the same family. You are loved and as such you are love. Your inner radiance shines through your video. Thank you for sharing and Christopher please trust that it will get better. Warm regards from John in Australia.

[@excalibur2024guy]

You are very brave. Best wishes.

[@BrownsBacker]

Your original video was heart breaking, but also inspiring. It's been 6 years and would love to know how you are doing in 2021. Take care and be happy.

[@markstar6056]

Hope you find happiness Christopher

[@timbo8654]

Hi Chris. What powerful videos you have shared with so many. I see lots of comments here asking if you’re ok and how are things for you now. I too have the same questions. Would you mind posing a comment? Hoping all is well and you now living your best life. Bless you xo

[@hectorabcdefg9076]

My family blamed this guy for making me gay. I was “straight” before i had sex with him. That encounter with that older man made me see the light

[@kwellsie5]

Hello Christopher. Greetings from Canada. I just saw your first youtube post today. I really felt your fear. I wish i was there then to give you a hug. I'm very glad you've posted an update on your life. I was concerned about your welfare. Wonderful that you are moving on with your life. New job, new state to live in. How exciting. All the best to you. Kind regards. Vincent Wells.

[@antoniodayrit4144]

Stay strong and healthy, congrats on your new job. Take care always, God is always there for you too.

[@howiemontgomery]

Chris appreciated your update. How wonderful that your able to now move away and get free from the negative and ignorant views of your family. I'm so pressed with how well you have navigated through all of this. Your are such an intelligent and thoughtful person. It took me years -- and I mean years to get to where you are. What is so wonderful is that today we are able to access so much information that helps us develop healthy and positive attitudes about being gay. That was not the case in the past. Best wishes to you in your new position and life in Florida. You deserve the very best in life so keep on going after it!!

[@donreeves4558]

Christopher...your update showed randomly on KZbin...and since you posted this 7 years ago, you may never see my message. If you do...I just wanted to say, after hearing your coming out message and your update, that you are a very sincere and thoughtful man. God made you...just as you are and He accepts and loves you...just as you are. It's sad that your parents, grandparents, and others, are so self-religious that they cannot accept and love you in the same way. Their loss of you is much greater than your loss of them, Christopher. Stay strong and stand tall. I pray that you will find a loving man with whom you can build a forever relationship. Should you someday have children, they will indeed be blessed to call you dad! Take care, Christopher and God Bless, my friend.

[@bobmcmurphy7700]

Hi Christopher. Awhile back I was doing a search for something or other and your first video came up as a result. I was deeply touched. Since then I've watched several videos of others telling their stories of coming out to family. I don't know why, but I was thinking how much easier it must be for everyone younger than me to come out now. Obviously I was wrong. I came out to my family in my late 20's just before moving in with my now husband 29 years ago. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Listening to the stories brings back memories of how much my heart ached because i was different or just not right. Gay wasn't a word I ever heard growing up. I didn't have anyone to talk to about it and there wasn't the internet back then to try and find others that were going through the same thing. I heard stories about people committing suicide, but it wasn't until several years later you found out why they did. I had even tried once, because I was so lonely and in my heart I knew that I would always be alone and no one would ever understand me and how I was feeling. I was one of the lucky ones that found someone that loved me for who I am and promised to be with me always. I still remember how I felt and your second video sounded like you were still not in a good place and brought back some of those old feelings. I know it's been a few years since you posted it, but I really wanted to know that you're doing ok now. I don't want to pry into your private life. Just let me know if things are better for you now. Believe it or not, you have a lot of people out here that do care about you and want you to be happy.

[@mikeacord5329]

Chris, I just found your videos tonight. You are a very courageous young man. Was very happy to learn that you have moved to FL and are working in the field that you love. Thanks for sharing your story with all of us. Proud to be a subscriber! Hope you enjoy a super Thanksgiving tomorrow. I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@themarktauber]

Chris, I'm pretty late to the party on this. I'm reading coming out stories while in lockdown for COVID-19. Thanks for your bravery in posting your story. It's sincere and articulate and I'm sure it has helped other guys in your situation. As a meteorologist, you'll appreciate the analogy of a silver lining to a once dark cumulus.

[@MEVMontana]

Wow, so courageous, so right you are and so difficult it was. Respect for that and best wishes from Germany. Martin

[@gregcavness5571]

Be true to yourself always. I came from a Pentecostal background and it was severe. I've been with my partner and now husband for 30 years... It gets easier!

[@jeancolapierrearmande3326]

Congrats on your new job Christopher!

[@northyorkshirechris5735]

Hello from the UK. I've just watched both of your videos and would've given you a big hug if I was there. It is so sad that your family are not supportive of you. They should be proud of you and accept you unconditionally for who you are. You are clearly a sensitive, tender, warm and intelligent person and any guy you have a relationship with you should consider themselves lucky to be with you! I hope that all has gone well since you made the videos and that you have met someone special in your new home town. It would be great to hear how you are getting along :-)

[@eddschouten2324]

So touched by both your posts. Hope you're well and please do make more!

[@damarkus3489]

Best of luck to your future endeavors! You're brave and beautiful! Peace and love! ♡

[@garygary9310]

I am so glad and happy for you!!!!! Now you can live your life the way you want! You will be so much happier. All the best to you...

[@chengstev8300]

I lost my 10 years best friend, Dad and were kick out of the soccer team, after I coming out!! But I felt happy after watching ur video, coz it made me feel that i am not alone and wanted to be like u in the future ^^

[@edwelty]

How have you been since October? You are a handsome guy!

[@diavalmoon]

Love u too i love updates on how your doing thats what id love to see

[@ohiorich1]

Like I said with my first comment, after seeing your coming Out , I still applaud you. Yes I realize this happened a while ago, but seeing you moving forward, and living your life makes me smile. I am happy that you found work in another state, so far away from family, this will make life so much easier for you. Congrats on your carrier. Keep moving forward, and keep believing in yourself. You sir, are a great roll model for all the other young kids Coming Out in the future

[@bradleyhays4218]

Good luck to you! Hope you have a great time in Florida and with your new job. I know this video is a couple years old but would love to hear an update.

[@johninchicago3059]

You be very happy with your move. It was funny because I used to live in Hampton Va and once lived out side of Lakeland Fla. I am so sorry about your family. You seem to be strong and holding up. Start your new wonderful life and be happy as you are a very special person as I mentioned in your coming out video. You are a very special person and God does love you and Bob and I love you to. Keep on the way you are, you are and will be great. Luv Ya Bob and John.

[@526mason]

Congrats and best wishes in Florida.

[@robiyelton4964]

I grew up strict Southern Baptist

[@TheKerryzzz]

It sounds like you are handling it the right way. Congrats..

[@cungchaynao]

Hi Chris, thank you for your updates. I hope your new life is getting better. I am sending you best wishes to you as I was in similar situation. I am a bit luckier as my parents were also shocked at first but then become more supportive now. I am now married to my beloved husband after two and a half years together so I just want to let you know, when life gets tough, dont feel down or give up. It will get better latter on. Be strong, be happy, love will come and it will worth it xoxo :) Thanh and Peter from Australia.

[@gregorytoner6488]

I just watched your videos they are very inspirational! thank you for sharing! Ihope you are having a wonderful life you deserve it!❤️

[@carloss1559]

Really great to hear from you Chris. I have been wondering how things have been going. Glad your moving on with your life. Your parents and Grand parents come from a different time hopefully they will catch up with society. I cant beleive how fast society is changing, it was the early 80's when i was your age, coming out then could mean your life if the wrong people found out. Give the rents some time and have fun in Florida, ( dam i'm jelous) Big Huggs, so happy for you.

[@attnMoFo]

Hey man, I hope all is well. Hope time has healed the wounds in yourself and your family. If not, I hope you had a support system of friends and new family to lean on. Life goes on, lockdown aside.

[@draxquirnon6809]

The very best of luck to you!!! If you need a friend, reach out to me.

[@mosichat]

I listened to your first coming out video & this one. Good move. The bottom line is that people think that we “chose” this lifestyle. It is almost impossible to convince them otherwise. That’s the definitive issue.

[@CamargueRHD]

You are awesome and an inspiration. I hope you are enjoying Florida.

[@joecvetetic5675]

I'm from Montgomery Alabama but raised strict catholic

[@reidamiao]

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!

[@calvindavis3641]

I have seen families turn around when they see a child’s success, being married and especially when kids come along. It’s possible they will come a around little by little over time.

[@tryan7]

You must live your life. Stay strong and be well. I wish you the very best in life. Peace.

[@robiyelton4964]

Wishing you all the best!

[@derekstynes9631]

Great News that You are going to do the job You wanted to do ! You really are a smart cookie ! Keep Your Heart open to Your Family and I am sure been Christians They will be hurting but They want the best for You and They will meet Your Partner in the Future !

[@zajournals]

The ignorance of Southern Baptists are the worse in religions. So glad you've overcome that. 🙂🙂🙂

[@LarryNY]

Christopher, Thank you for sharing your coming out update. I hope that you have been happy and successful since posting it. Perhaps some of your family members have changed their minds about their religious condemnation of LGBTQ+ people. If they haven't, I hope that it has not had much of a negative effect on your life. Being gay is just a normal variation of human sexuality. Your life is as valid as anyone else's. Fill it with people who love you for who you are!

[@ifsaica]

Wow, good for you! You are very deserving of good things. I just finished your first video on coming out, and I admire your ability of storytelling explaining your personal journey on coming out. I wish more people could see and understand what individuals whom are gay go through in dealing with their gender preference. I still have some issue with this subject? We seem to be raised in very similar ways, except I’m Methodist. I continue to love and respect my church regardless of the legal aspects they follow. This is where I become so concerned about the many who are coming out in this generation? I’m finding so many seem to be jumping ship on their personal relationship with Christ? It scares me how quickly many have turned their back on Christianity. I live in the Los Angeles area where people are a lot more open about where they stand on the subject. The Pride festivals are always huge. I get so worried we’re losing souls, young souls to the other side? I hope you have been able to reconcile your beliefs along with your acceptance of being gay? You seem very level headed and intelligent...this is whyI feel the need to respond to your video on coming out. I believe both sides often don’t quite present the argument in very respectful, compassionate ways. I still don’t wear or own a rainbow flag, I don’t attend Pride festivals, and I definitely don’t wear my gayness on my sleeve. I feel that in the end as we all atone for our lives, I will be able to show I tried my best in dealing with being a good Christian and all things that make me unique. I hope you don’t see this as being punitive to those of us born this way, but rather just another disciple believer looking out for his brothers in Christ. Stand strong and please get back to me if you take issue with anything I’ve written? Thank you and I wish the best in all you do....be well. Alex from LA.

[@davidnash41]

Hi Christopher. I have just come across both of your videos. Your articulation was impressive. I would be interested to hear how you are progressing. In some ways we are similar. Having been brought up in the pentecostal church & being gay, I got the same fundamentalist teaching pushed down my throat. How are you dealing with the spiritual part of your life? I could not give up my faith and therefore moved over into the Anglican church (Church of England). It was like a breath of fresh air. Please post what your are now doing. Take care.

[@mikejrexec]

Yay for your friends, sorry for your family.

[@bartimeaussinclair6797]

Chris, God bless for your level-headed, genuine, and honest heart ❤ felt experience. Just a reminder, Jesus didn't come to do away with the "Old" but "fulfill"... please ponder on this; even if you may preemptively think it appears I'm unaligned with what you've already shared, I am not. Because Jesus spoke about the 2 of the Greatest Commandents which He was persecuted and eventually died for, besides the well-known concept of the "sins of all men"; but I'd like to focus you on the 2nd part of the 2 greatest , "Love your neighbor as yourself". Here's the radical angle; could He have knowingly meant it in the updated thinking and lifestyle of this time? Or is it according to each man's faith and inner relationship with Jesus and each individual heart searched decision? This is just an thought, not a doctrine; each have to research and search 🤔 their hearts. Good for you Christopher, thanks for your thoughts!

[@mrwednesday687]

Please make more videos

[@benw9949]

I didn't come out until after my folks were gone. I never felt I could talk to them about being gay. I grew up with those feelings, and felt conflicted, and even in college, when I finally had to admit to myself that I really was gay and that was never going to change, I had troupe accepting it, sank into depression, and proceeded to flunk out of college. I later got an associate's degree with honors. -- To people who think it's wrong or think it's a choice, I would say this: Really, would you rather your loved one was killed if he or she is gay? Would you really rather bury that loved one than have him or her alive and well and happy and loving someone else? I would ask why you think that you should hate someone who only wants to love and be loved by someone who is the same sex. If they love each other that is not hurting or abusing or forcing anyone or tricking or coercing. Gay people are genuinely and deeply attracted to the same sex. Gay people love and want to be loved by someone of the same sex. It is as deep down and natural for them as it is for straight people to love the opposite sex. It is not a "choice" or a "lifestyle." This is not doing it simply to be contrary or ornery or weird. It is how we feel inside. The guilt and shame and confusion come from everyone around us telling us we aren't supposed to be like that. Making a boy strangle his emotions, not show them; calling a boy a sissy or girly, calling him other names that suggest he is unmanly or homosexual, or some kind of pervert or predator -- do that enough, and you will make that boy feel miserable and believe that he is wrong for who he is...even if he's actually straight. It is easily possible to make boys feel so bad that they hurt themselves. It is even easier to make them so hateful and fearful that they take it out on other boys around them and beat them up, harass them, call them names, spread rumors, and basically ruin their lives. -- And trust me, you do not want to wake up some day and discover that one of your best childhood friends has died under questionable circumstances, and wonder if it was suicide because he got tired of people questioning if he was gay or not accepting him or outright bullying him. I know how he grew up, very strict religious family, even more so than mine. If he was gay, his family would never have accepted him. If he was gay, I'm not sure he could have accepted himself. I will always wonder if my friend committed suicide or if it was accident or illness or foul play. We were separated when we were kids, different religious views between our parents. When I saw him again in high school, he was called out because some ignorant, mean and hateful boy thought my friend was gay. (No, doing mime or theater or dance does not make you gay, and neither does how you wear your shirt collar. That's how idiotic the other boy was.) I didn't see him after that, except when we were college ae, and I ran into him once at his work, unexpected. So I don't know the full story of how my friend died. But the reports in the obituary and a newspaper article said he wasn't found for two or three days after he'd died in his home. The obit did not mention any wife, girlfriend, ex, or others, no children, nothing about his personal life except that he loved to play piano, which he must have studied later. So...to all those who think it's wrong: How would you feel if you looked up an old friend to get back in contact, and found out he'd been gone for months, under suspicious circumstances, knowing what else you did about his life? If you were a relative or a friend, very honestly, would you rather that he be dead? Or would you want him to be alive and well, thriving, happy, loving and loved by someone nice? Or at least looking for someone to fulfill that longing with. I would sincerely hope you would not want to bury your kid or relative or friend. I have a hunch about my friend. I will never know for sure what happened. But I will tell you plainly, I would much rather that he was still alive and happy, whether he was gay or straight. I don't know if we would have reconnected as friends. Maybe so, maybe not. But he was a good guy in any case. If you love your relative or friend, then tell me, why would you think it was wrong for them to want to love and be loved by someone who might be the same sex? It is not a choice or a lifestyle. Why would we choose to deal with homophobia and internal struggles so much of our lives? Why would we choose something so unaccepted by too much of society? And why, of all people and places, is it that where they should be most easily loved and accepted, at home, in the family, at church, at school, why are gay folks so often rejected? I have come to believe that this is the real sin, that lack of acceptance, and hate and fear and exclusion, are the real sins in this, and not being gay. For all of those negative Bible verses, you can look up translations these days. But even more easily, you can see plenty of Bible verses that talk about loving, forgiving, accepting, not judging. I wish I could convince the people who are convinced it's wrong to be gay. But they will just have to figure it out on their own, and live with the consequences. I do hope they don't wake up one day to find out someone they love has left, too hurt to stay, or worse, that someone they love has died from it. I would give very much if only I could have known if my parents would have accepted me as gay. I think now they must have known, but they chose not to see it or deal with it, and they never let me know in any way I understood, if they did accept me. So from some time in my teens onward, I came to feel that my parents did not truly love and accept me for who I really was, that they wouldn't understand if they knew, and that they didn't want to acknowledge it if they did know. So I came to feel there was a distance between us that I couldn't cross, no matter how much I wanted to, because they wouldn't. I still loved them, but I felt apart from them in a way I didn't know how to get past. Even as an adult, I didn't know how to deal with that, and never did, any more than they did. I believe they were wrong. I wish I had come out sooner. The irony is, there were plenty of rumors at school that I was gay. If I had come out, it would have been just as unaccepted as it was for other guys and girls I went to school with. But at least maybe I would've known for sure if my parents' love was conditional on whether I was straight, regardless of what they said. I think there's a sin in that, all right. I think that they and I could not open up to each other and talk about it and find acceptance was a terrible mistake and a loss. As much as I loved y parents and they loved me there was that and other mistakes between us. I grew up like that, in a family that was way too strict and controlling in some ways, for all the good and love there was in other ways. I was never physically abused. But I came to realize as an adult, and occasionally as a teen, that my home/family life was way more tightly controlled and strange in some ways than most other people's. I love my folks, they loved me, but...I wish in this and a few other things, it could have been different. How much of my life could have been so much better if only I could've come out sooner or insisted a little more.

[@patrickblaney1675]

Well, I watched your "coming out" video, and now I've watched this update. I'm happy to hear that your friends were understanding, and I'm sorry to hear that you didn't fare as well with your family. But you seem to have survived their rejection of who you have been all along, even if it was painful for you. Gay men generally know (as you state) that they never chose to be gay. I'm surprised it's apparently not the same for many straight men--that they don't think they just WERE straight but they apparently believe they made a conscious choice to be straight at some point in their youth.

[@corbinnolan2133]

I'm from VA too! I hope you've been doing well. Any new updates in the future?

[@dougfriendly7676]

If I were in your shoes I simply wouldn't put up with any relative's attitude like that of your grandparents. I would make it crystal clear that there is no point in them having issues with something you did not choose and cannot change. No "agree to disagree" nonsense. They need to get their heads on "straight" (no pun intended) and come to an understanding that someone they supposedly love (or did) is who he is--and is EXACTLY as he was created to be. I hope your career in meteorology is going well. I took an Atmospheric Sciences course as a first quarter freshman and managed to fail it miserably!

[@cjay2]

Chris, You've got a great opportunity to start over again, so begin to surround yourself with good and supportive people. Religion is poison. There is no 'god'. Go into the world and create a loving environment around you. Do the things that you are interested in and that give you happiness, and other like-minded people will find you. Best wishes!

[@darlenenickerson1713]

If we are all created in God's image that includes everyone. Live your truth and be happy!✌❤

[@reuterromain1054]

We`re now in 2024. Can we have an update?

[@jeylful]

Hi Chris. great decision to move on. I am a 43 year old gay Colombian guy and my parents took decades to come to terms to it but eventually and slowly things got better. Ultimately you will learn that your friends are as important and most likely your family will turn around after a while. It saddens me that religion divides people when it is all about love. That is when religion is misused to judge and divide. But hey that is human nature... how many wars have been done in the name of religion? Chris I hope you are doing great in Florida and send another video letting us know how you are progressing :)

[@tomppatt]

Wow. All I want after seeing these two videos is to hear him telling me that he is okay and happy with his life now.

[@alexanderhouthoofd3615]

Hey Christopher, You are amazing! I'm a Alex, 17 and just like you! I'm from a small town in Belgium. I recently discovered that I'm gay too. It's really difficult for me to talk about that subject with anyone, because no one understands how it is to be gay in a world like this. Although I've told my best friends that I like guys, but one of them didn't believe me and ran away while he was insulting me. I know... sad live! Since then I don't talk about the whole gay-thing with anyone. But one of my friends, to whom I've told that I like guys, is soooo cute. I'm head over heels with him, but don't know if he's too. I don't even know if he is gay, so yeah I know that it sounds ridiculous. What should I do? It means a lot to me to talk about it with you! greetings from Belgium, Alex

[@Aardvark37]

Alex, love to you! I am so sorry that you have no one to talk with safely. I am old enough to be your great-grandfather, and only figured out four years ago that i am gay. You have (I hope) a long life ahead of you and deserve to enjoy every bit of it. It can be very lonely with absolutely no one to share your private thoughts with--believe me, I know! Be sure to be the friend to yourself you have always wanted to have [I'm sorry that sounds kind of cheesy, but it can be done] Learn everything you can about how to truly love yourself. I am wanting to tell you everything I know to make your life easier and happier, but this is not an easy way to do it! Peace and love to you! If you would like, FB me! Chuck Leach

[@sognidelchianti2920]

Good luck