Coming out to My Mormon Parents

This is my story of growing up mormon and gay.
*Instagram: Josephgarner94
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[@wheresdatea2914]

At first I thought it said “Coming Out To My Moron Parents”

[@KA-jq7pd]

OMG SAME

[@gurltf]

Me too 😂

[@brittbarber8626]

Where's Da Tea I thought it said coming out as a mormon parent

[@gummynoodles9036]

Same

[@johannesntabane5650]

Me too hey😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@disgraceful318]

with 19 nieces and nephews, the chances of one of them having a similar struggle with their sexuality is a really high possibility. i’m glad that they’ll have you as an uncle to talk to and really feel safe with

[@meyu1468]

Castle Crasher in gen z, apparently about 52% identify as not being exclusively heterosexual sooo almost definitely:)

[@zaidkhan6296]

@@meyu1468 Hmm well those people are below the age of 22 so a lot of them could be saying that because they are bicurious, but if that is actually true that's awesome!

[@jhctxcla]

I wince when I read such a finite dichotomy ignoring the loving purpose of life, challenges, choices, I also wish all could love others for who they are. It's not exclusive.

[@jhctxcla]

Life is also long and ever changing. I've seen too many people make critical decisions too early in life.

[@musicguy20]

Castle Crasher I’ve heard it’s 1 out of 10 here in America (10%) but maybe we are just more gay than the UK? Lol

[@alisarsour8552]

I told my mom in confidence and by the morning she told everyone she knew. Then they took me to a cemetery and told me to pick out a grave because that is where I will be in 2 years. Then they told me I was weak. That I would never be happy and get use to a lonely miserable life.. They told me to leave so I left. They said the reason they didn't speak,to me for years was they heard I was murdered. Then they found,out I had made some good investments and they contacted me. They want me declared as not fit to take care,of myself so they can take my assets. My family are not nice people. I like the content on your channel.

[@aaroncarson1770]

😓😘

[@nathinamo9970]

Sorry dear Ali, that your family were so cruel and heartless towards you. Hope you have a few good friends. Lots of love and good wishes.

[@AdamDavid]

That is so terrible, I'm sorry.

[@TrainsFerriesFeet]

I'm so sorry, Ali; I wish I could give you a hug.

[@davemarsteller8377]

So perhaps you should try to file some restraining orders and other types of things to legally protect yourself from their evil.

[@helookalikaman79]

Dude is hot... But he is more than just looks... The love, honesty, emotion, and compassion.... makes him the total package.

[@NegativeAccelerate]

helookalikaman79 yeah I haven’t one tat far bro the video but this guy radiates sweetness and kindness and caringness but with a hint of mournfulness which is completely understandable

[@benshaw5382]

His eyes are gorgeous, such a deep, beautiful blue.

[@jeancolapierrearmande3326]

Ben Shaw Yep, he’s very cute, but also very intelligent. I can imagine the church has a huge impact on/power over people and that it took this dude years and years to find himself, but he finally did and he took the right decision to start dating guys. It must have been a tremendous relief for him to escape from the dominance of the church.

[@hrh4961]

@alex alamangos Au contraire! It's wonderful.

[@emanueleiosue2885]

Just one kid...ha ha

[@TysonASMR]

I relate. I grew up in a very religious Mormon household here in Utah. I Went to church. Did temple work etc. I always knew I was gay since I was a kid but knew I couldn’t be due to my religion. As I got older I just started to realize I had to be myself to be truly happy. I did the same thing. Talked to lots of guys on tinder and eventually I kissed a guy and instantly knew it was the life for me 😂 coming out was one of the hardest things I’ve done. But fast forward to now and my family has accepted me and my boyfriend and they love him and things are Gucci 🙏 hope you’re happy now man. Slide into my DMs if you ever need to talk ❤️

[@goldensprite3373]

So happy for you x

[@downo]

If everything is so Gucci and Dolce Gabbana, perhaps you and your boyfriend could adopt me 😭💯 because I won't have a family if I came out for sure!

[@yeontan6745]

That sounds a lot like what I’m going through, my family is really religious. My grandparents on my dad’s side and all my family on my mom’s side go to church. I realized that I was bi and ace a while ago and am too scared to tell them because I’m scared they’re going to disown me. I’m getting comfortable being who am but feel like I have to mask my sexuality when I’m with my family I just wish that the church would be more accepting.

[@sisteroliver1469]

How did he find so many girls and boys? I mean i cant even get a flirt

[@Incidental104]

Same....

[@Sammyfanai]

Im over here getting old and cant even find one boyfriend lol

[@Baccatube79]

He is very cute, that is why.

[@arvy1627]

i mean look at his face

[@morgandausman808]

Same tho

[@Syedkzz]

after that intro, all i could think about was why mormons have so many kids?

[@emma_n5931]

K Midnitee a lot of Mormons believe birth control is a rebellion against god

[@Syedkzz]

Emma_N condoms too?

[@tyleriscool22]

Emma_N Mormon here, Joseph is a friend of mine. That’s not true at all. I’ve never met a member of the church that believes that.

[@nickc3657]

Same reason as Catholics, probably

[@mabi3om959]

K Midnitee not 100% sure but i remember hearing from one of my close mormon friends that many kids are seen as a very positive thing in the church and basically will bring better things for your family and that children are gods gift i suppose. something to do with many kids = happy life

[@redhood8141]

Best gay uncle award goes to... You!! Hehe thanks for sharing your story

[@lunacrazy9587]

When you settle down with your dream guy remember there are so many ways you can have kids hang in there :)

[@leticiagormley7946]

The devil's playground? Lily Dale and the spirtualists there? No, you are so wrong if you say that. The devil's playground is in my underpants! I am proud and strong.

[@chloelouise4021]

Mel J do you think IVF and surrogacy in straight couples is disgusting as well?? Since it’s unnatural??

[@chloelouise4021]

@Mel J is that based on facts and research or your own anecdotal view

[@karleeolson717]

Mel J soooo adoption is unnatural to you??? lmaooooo

[@oceanstaiga5928]

“Are you ok” “Dad I’m gay” That makes it sound different lol

[@Polymathese]

Hi Joseph. This was an excellent video on a difficult topic. Thank you ...

[@leavemealone7177]

Gary Lee rather rude. This vid isn’t rlly for homophobic people so leave.

[@leavemealone7177]

Gary Lee I love how you just got so offended that you felt the need to reply 3 times. Like that’s a lotta effort man.

[@alexb1312]

@Gary Lee just drop it man, ur not helping here. look for the beauty in others instead

[@leavemealone7177]

Gary Lee lmaoo ok bud

[@leavemealone7177]

Gary Lee I’m not homophobic but I’m gay and sometimes I rlly wish that meant I didn’t have to be in the lgbt community. Yes I’m attracted to men. No I don’t like the lgbt community because it’s full of a lot of drama.

[@fegodev]

“...and there’s me” 💙 - you’re amazing Joseph!

[@josephgarner94]

Felipe Gonzalez ♥️

[@booboobear9904]

I am LDS and admire your courage & honesty. Please stay strong and remember you are well loved, not only by family, but also by this stranger who is watching your video with much admiration.

[@kevinl6231]

Thanks for sharing. There will be lots of good things ahead.

[@Arkinas]

Gary Lee Gay relationships aren’t only about sex. It’s about mutual love And understanding for one another. What you’re saying is hugely disrespectful

[@pedomcpedoson6213]

@Gary Lee Actually most of us gay guys are just into sweet romance. It's much more pure and special than hetero relationships.

[@PreferablyPurple]

@Gary Lee ur silly, we flaunt it done much because gays have literally been oppressed and can only really now be in the public eye

[@ethenscor8581]

My parents and grandparents are mormons and I came out and they accepted me they’re really great especially my mother and sibling

[@amandagarcia4341]

I don’t think many people realize how easy it is for closeted/struggling gay folks to be taken advantage of in relationships/dating. Being closeted is something that can be held over your head and it’s terrifying to think if someone you’re dating gets angry they can use that against you. These stories are hard to tell but thank you for sharing! It’s so important for gay youth, especially religious gay youth to hear. Hope you are doing well in your journey❤️

[@josephgarner94]

So SO true

[@LouM1950]

My heart aches for you. As a gay Christian I understand the hurt and can assure you that God is on this path with you and your relationship with God can be deepened through this path.

[@SHurd-rc2go]

If you believe God made us all, then ?????

[@shenanigans3710]

"It's easy to find anyone in Mormon town". LOL True dat.

[@traceywilliams8395]

Congratulations..🎉🎈🎊 on coming out and living your truth...great story and Happy pride 🌈

[@josephgarner94]

Thank you:)

[@albertwalles6879]

WOW! That was a really hard video to make. I am so proud of you. I joined the church when I was 23 and told my Bishop I was gay. He later told me that he prayed about it and that if I had sex with a woman, that all the man to man feelings would disapper. LIE! I was married for 16 years and that wass the worst thing I could have done to my wife. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you are supposed to do something because..... The only time I ever felt peace was in the Celestial Room when it was just me and God. As long as you and God are good, nothing else matters. God bless you.

[@scubawrestler]

I've been in a mixed orientation marriage for many years, She has been my greatest support since I came out to her. What will be will be. We do not know, but we are prepared for all contingencies. Thank you for your story. I love you brother and support you in all you do. Sid

[@AinsleyBella]

I’m Mormon and recently I’ve been struggling and questioning my sexuality. I’m 13 and with Mormons, you can’t date or be in a relationship until you’re 16. I’ve “dated” boys which I know isn’t right with Mormons and I completely understand that, and I don’t know if it’s just that it’s middle school relationships I’m not feeling much with them or that I’m lacking knowledge in myself. I’m also not looking for any relationships with *anyone* soon for that matter. Recently there have been a lot of things (signs if you will) that maybe I *am* bisexual. I think it was last October’s women’s conference, before general conference, one of the 12 apostles was talking about the LGBTQ+ community and that really hit me hard. I know for a fact I don’t talk to my parents enough about anything but I really hope that I will be able to talk to them about how I’m feeling and *maybe* even come out to them. I *did* once talk to my mom and she said the main reason Mormons don’t encourage gays is because they see people sexualizing it and that makes them immediately jump to sex before marriage. I’m not looking for any of that. I’m really glad Heavenly Father has given you the opportunity to become who you really are. I hope he’ll help me talk with my parents.❤️

[@anthonyl.9059]

Ainsley Rose Hey I’m kinda in the same situation with you except I’m a 14 year old boy and not a Mormon but a Catholic. I’m confused on my sexuality too. I recently noticed over the past two years. I recall when I was younger feelings of being gay, but just now realizing it. I tried to deny it for so long. Right now I’m stuck in the middle of Bi, or gay. I have no intentions of coming out anytime soon, especially since I need to know who I am first. It’s just hard you know. I think my family would accept me, we are catholic but not the really religious family. I believe in God and pray and wanna go to church more. It hurts me when I see all these posts from Religious people saying being gay is a “lifestyle” or a “choice” when if it was I would just want to be straight point blank period! And also, I know God loves us all, and put us on thus earth who we are for a reason. But yeah I just thought I could tell you since A) it’s KZbin and B) You’re a stranger 😂 I don’t even know if I can tell my best friend yet. I’m too afraid, I feel like I am gay but I wanna deny it. Anyways, thank you for reading my ted talk 😂 😊

[@gracelincolnthebooknerd]

I am almost in exactly the same situation. Thank you so much for talking about your struggles. I started looking at girls a little differently a while back and just trying to push it down, and ignore it. Eventually general conference came around and I finnaly realized that I am bi. I know for a fact that I'm not looking to get busy with anyone and I want to be respectful of the lord and the cards I've been dealt. I haven't talked to my parents yet and am still sorting out how to do it. I hope evrething goes well. Best of luck! ❤

[@Rmer716]

Such a sweet and honest person you are.

[@matthewp.9167]

SO MUCH of what you said resonated with my being, because my path has been extremely similar. Though I wasn’t Mormon at the time, I was a Christian who was gay on the inside, and not even the prettiest girl would change my feelings...even when I felt really “close” to God. I even joined the LDS church my senior year of college because I loved the friends I had met, but also thought I could insulate myself from myself even further. When I learned that being gay in the church meant I’d go to family wards my whole life as a single guy pretending to be straight, I couldn’t stomach the idea of families in the church constantly inquisitive as to why I hadn’t met a nice pretty girl yet. It’s even worse when you’re what people consider handsome, and attract a lot of attention, 🙄. So I had to leave the church. I’m proud of you that you’re standing strong to your hearts desires. I know that deep down you still feel like an outsider sometimes with your church friends, I do. I get angry a lot because I feel like people still look at me like I’m some sort of anomaly, when I wish I would just be treated normal all the time. You’ll get that the rest of your life..:take it in stride. Hoping all the best that God can bless you with! ❤️

[@reddragon6964]

Hey Joseph, you did a great job on your video. I am glad to hear that you survived your first experience with a Stalker. I'm glad that you are still able to enjoy the love and affection of your family during your journey through life. For some people that is so important, especially young kids. Coming out today is much simpler and garners much more support than when I came out and I am happy that that is occurring since being Gay is not something that can be changed no matter how badly someone may want to do so. I hope that you continue to enjoy the life you have ahead of you and find someone special to make that journey with.

[@vredewold]

Joseph, be strong and stay with your own beliefs, with love from the Netherlands. You sure look excactly like me in my twenties. Amazing!

[@raphatwater9293]

Hey, another gay-raised-Mormon! This is the first time I've come across your channel, and I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story. Like you, I always knew I was gay, but I had the added complication of being a trans guy. I'm in my mid-20s now and still have not come out to my dad (but I assume my mom has told him). Both parents are fully in denial. However, so many relatives and friends from church have shown me an overwhelming amount of support and love. Navigating faith and sexuality can be so complicated, especially in the LDS church (I myself have recently found a different spiritual path). Congrats on getting to a better place in your life, brother!

[@m.a.l3995]

This one dude stalked you. Oh my I’m glad you got out of that situation safe .... your Story really warms my heart and I hope that in the future you won’t be so hard on yourself. 💕

[@bryantnavajo3738]

You're so handsome man! I grew up in Salt Lake City Utah, the capital of Mormon Ville. You're so brave for coming out. Its not easy in the Mormon community.

[@eeeeggnog._.]

Salt Lake is pretty liberal though, not very Mormon compared to the smaller cities and towns in utah

[@crazymacedonianboi]

I don’t have anything interesting to say so I’ll say this: Happy TGIF dude! 🙂and thanks for sharing ur story!

[@invinciblesummer13]

Honestly I don’t think anyone understands what it’s like growing up Mormon and lgbt unless you’ve experienced it. It’s really hard. Thank you for sharing your story 💛

[@RobertHampton747]

Your comment about the person equating being gay with being a Pedophile really struck home with me, I had a nephew that said being gay was the same as beastieality! I was shocked and disgusted and that set off a big arguement that was very hurtful. I ended up in tears mainly because that nephew always treated me with love and respect but then continued to be good to me so it worked out but how can people think such things.

[@necrobiome6527]

I can’t believe this was recommended to me at just the right time, I really appreciate your story. And 17:24 my jaw literally dropped I kid you not that’s so shocking

[@gradysvacationsandnaturewalks]

I don't even tell people my coming out story, because coming out for me was not as hard as it is for most people. I am going to make a video about it tonight though. Stay strong, friend. I am always here for you.

[@sabs8741]

Thanks for sharing your story! It's heartbreaking to see yourself struggling to be accepted by your family. God loves you without exception. If he's got a plan for all of us, it is to accept each other just as they are.

[@andrewross1291]

Best wishes young man, from someone who suffered the 60/70s as a teen. Andrew from Australia.👍

[@aprilmcconnell6284]

When he said he thought if he kept the commandment and tried hard enough that it would just go away that made me so sad. It was very difficult for me to except my sexuality, I prayed about it so many times asking Heavenly Father if I was actually attached to girls. After I realized I did, I prayed for him to “take my gay away” the answer I got was, “No, I’m not going to”, when I asked, “Why?”, he said to me, “Everyone has challengers this is one of yours”. I almost cried knowing that I was MEANT to be this way and that he loved me still the same. I had always been bi, why would he stop loving me just because I figured it out? I got prompting during personal prayer to come out to my parents. I tried to ignore them telling myself,“I didn’t need to tell them”. Honestly I never intended too. I still liked guys so I would just marry a man in the temple and they would never have to know. I didn’t want to tell them because they wouldn’t love me anymore, because I knew they would, I didn’t want to tell them because I was afraid that they wouldn’t believe me, saying, “I was just confused”. I told myself that all the time, why wouldn’t they’d at that? I did come out to them and I cried as I told them. They love me and accept me for who I am, naturally that worry for me, but they have the same worries as they would have with a male. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father, how anyone does anything with out his council is beyond me, I am grateful for my savior and for the atonement, knowing that he felt everything I did and that he knew first hand what my struggles were and what I was experiencing was huge comfort, I am grateful for the love that he feels for me and the love my family has for me. ❤️ (I want to say “I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen” but I don’t think that appropriate)

[@julissa6715]

“We went to a drive to some lake” ... that sounds kinda fishy dude, lmao.

[@hawneedog]

You're a beautiful story teller x :) You've travelled a tough road but still share it with such dignity and love for your family..... keep sharing your tale :)

[@Akeru69]

Thank you for sharing your story. You made me cry as I could feel your pain. I can relate to your story in so many ways. The stalker guy pissed me off and he should be in jail, what a creep. Sending you much love.

[@thomaslucia3059]

Be the best YOU...that'll take care of the rest. Being gay is simply being human. And consider yourself VERY lucky that you know yourself well enough to accept who you are. Not so long ago people were taking their own lives or believing their lives were meaningless (or worse) because they weren't straight. Put away the fears and worries - save yourself time and energy - and be YOU. It's the greatest gift you can give yourself.

[@TheWhore2culture]

I agree,Thomas, very nicely said. Tragically, regarding suicide statistics they are as high as ever and go up year on year,particularly in UK & Europe.Many times,particularly in the USA the suicide statistics are manipulated, so the families don't have to accept they drove their children to death! I have been fighting for LGBT rights since mid 70s and though we've been given back the equality, each of us are born with,in certain countries; having had them stripped from us once we tell the truth about who we are!! In many more we're seeing fundamentalism of all flavours pushing to negate those hard won rights . In 70+ countries, around the world, we are criminalised or killed for being who we are. Hate crimes against LGBT people have gone up greatly, even in supposedly "civilised" countries like USA & UK! If you're reading this comment & are in a country where you're lucky enough to have a vote, please use it! If a country can decide that women don't have FULL AUTONOMY over their bodies,it won't be long before you see the rights of the LGBT community being eroded & recinded slowly or just taken away with one signature, as happened recently in America where Trans people have lost their rights in the US military for reasons that when looked at properly aren't even true. It's just pressure from the Hardliners, which in the US are the fundamentalist Christians. Joseph's brave story is one of the many that have a happy ending. The sad reality is the ones who weren't able to deal with the hate and bullying, aren't here to tell their stories. One of the reasons you don't see many older Gay men,making use of the relatively new political platform for Gay/LGBT friendly politicians is that thanks to the human rights abuses perpetrated by Ronald Reagan & his Republican agenda - nearly 700,000 - people have died of HIV in America(also remember when it was first diagnosed he and members of his government with support across the whole country,not only called it a "Gay Plague - that we deserved - but,also wished to put ALL Gay men in America into camps!) At this very moment that same Republican mentality is forcing the hand of law makers in the USA. For you brave younger generation Gay men and ALL the younger LGBT community, please don't take the rights you have for granted, the older men who should now be high up in Government died before they were 30. And remember, that though HIV is now treatable, if a Government decides to make that treatment expensive .....,well you can see how that goes? ! I'm sorry I don't mean to lecture or detract from Joseph's story ,but, all of us WORLDWIDE need to keep educated and fight on till we reach the point where heterosexual parents who produce LGBT children,will be the ones society AND THE LAW CONDEMNS if they treat them unkindly or refuse to accept them as 100% equal. A child is born a blank slate, when it comes to religious beliefs & is brought up according to the family it is born into,if we - LGBT children/young adults - are asked to respect their/our parents religious beliefs,they need to respect the scientific facts of biology!? Wishing you & yours the VERY best from London 👋🌟✌

[@brantschuenman]

This really hit close to home. I am currently living with my LDS parents and have grown up in the church my whole life (going into senior year soon). I am an assistant in my quorum presidency, I go to an LDS private school where they incorporate the teachings in every class and every conversation I have with my mom she always brings up the horizon of missionary work. And I’m gay hahah, so pretty much exactly how you grew up. But I recently reached out to my school administration about starting a sort of GSA or inclusivity club, without my parents knowing because they didn’t know, and last Friday right in front of me and my dad my mom got a call from them and I immediately knew what it was about. So, the school told them about my reaching out to them and they said they needed to talk to a parent. And I went upstairs and panicked completely to my friends and siblings who know, and eventually she came upstairs and asked me how i fit into all of it, and I just had to be honest. So basically my school outed me to my mom, who has said she wont tell my dad, but I don’t really mind. Her reaction was church-focused but fine overall, and she’s recommending that I still serve a mission and all that to make it go away, but now I know from your experience that it’ll never happen. So thank you so much for sharing all of this; I’m going to go forward with the club because the school says we might be able to make it work if it broadens to everyone who feels excluded, so I want to just help other people in my position to have a safe space where they can feel accepted at such a turbulent school and environment. For anyone who’s read this far have a fabulous day and I wish you the best in your life 💖

[@lauriemathis3225]

From listening to this video, I just see a high quality person who shines with every quality I find important. You are an awesome person, and I look forward to seeing where your 'story' leads. You are loved by God!!!!! I whole-heartedly believe that, and I am sure you know that too..

[@josephgarner94]

It’s good to be reminded. Thank you for all your kind words. ❤️

[@caehlers]

Love knows NO bounds - SO sad that his OWN parents would push him to date girls again... narrow-minded people...

[@sandbox1803]

That is the Mormon brainwashing. Trust me I know.

[@pedomcpedoson6213]

Love knows NO bounds 🌈💙 ❤️

[@eeeeggnog._.]

@Mel J lust is found in people with any attraction, not just homosexuality. Physical attraction is an important aspect of a relationship no matter the genders

[@kevinsahadeo2014]

Your eyes are just striking.. Live your true life and always be you.. Only then you can love abd really appricate life and yourself.. I salute you.. Im mormon and gay too.. I live in Trinidad in the Port of Spain West Indies Mission🇹🇹.. Youre such an inspiration❤💙💚💛💜

[@lamtwentythirteen]

thank you for your honesty in this. so many of my lgbtq friends i went to byu with have similar stories, and i myself and finding my own path with reconciling who i am with my upbringing. i think it's an extremely difficult thing to talk about to those who didnt grow up in the church because of the nuance of lds culture, but you did it well and in an incredibly touching way. wishing you the best

[@josephgarner94]

lookingforatardis thank you 🖤

[@zoeeee7615]

You and two of your brothers all look so alike it’s uncanny

[@coollikeyodais]

Thank you for your heartfelt story.

[@eugenefrankmd5433]

Joseph, That was a stunningly beautiful, ever-so-vulnerable sharing of your pain and your happiness from a quite special guy. That you are articulate, intelligent, emotionally sensitive, and most importantly the quality of your values deserves a special guy for you to love. Your modesty is only exceeded by your strength of character. That you have found is easy to date guys as well as girls, with full acceptance by both, says a lot about your exigent humans, honesty, and integrity. There is the caution that since you are so trusting you might easily be misled by your own purity, tree with caution. Wishing you all the returns from your considerable gifts, have a happy, healthy, and loving relationship with the lucky guy of your choosing.

[@areebahqutub6209]

as a person who is very involved in my religious community, I really appreciated hearing your story! I was able to relate to this a lot and I'm so grateful that you shared it!

[@cgranero1]

Love you, Brother!!!

[@pererikanderspe]

You don’t need to be gay to be moved by this wonderful story. What a warm human being!

[@maxf69]

Loved hearing your story. So well told. It will help many people. Thank you.

[@michaelmoore4700]

You are sweet and very honest. The qualities that make you are outstanding. Love to hear you and your future is going to be overwhelming and full of love. Wish you the best.

[@dawnyork2303]

Joseph Garner: I loved how openly honest you were in your video you put out there for the world and it's ok to disagree but a parents love or a whole families love is unconditional and don't ever forget that and continue to be truthful to yourself.

[@felipegand]

I actually identify a lot with the video, u r so handsome and also so sweet and loving, hope you the best!!

[@cailynjoy8129]

i’m bisexual and my parents are super mormon. i’m not out bc im only 15 and i have to live with them. i know how hard it can be to come to terms with it, especially when you know your family will be against it. i’m sorry you went through this

[@wowcraftmom7167]

I’m LDS and I just want to say: I love you. Thank you so much for this video. You are so kind and strong through everything. So many people would’ve let this make them bitter and have all sorts of negative reactions. We don’t know the mysteries of God but we do know that while, yes, marriage between man and woman is sacred, it’s imperative that we love others like Heavenly Father does. No one should judge others based off their sexual preference or orientation, that is for God and God only to do. It’s not our job. Our job is only to love. You are a wonderful young man (lol I sound so old saying that and you’re probably my age or so). Keep forgiving and loving and, no matter what, stay close to your Heavenly Father.

[@cj28739]

Just remember you are so blessed and the world is at your door step. Give more that you receive and never lose that sweet smile.

[@kerrydawson1256]

Joseph I loved your video. I can’t believe you’re only 19 as you’ve done so much. I am not religious but putting that aside there are aspects about that you are same as me. I’ve always known. I told my mother first and she said don’t tell your dad and I left for a year and then told him during a fight. They were totally fine and this was I 1972. You will do just fine as you’re very sincere and nice looking. I wish you didn’t go through all this girl stuff except maybe as a friend. You from the minute started your video knew who you liked. Stay the course. It can be fun, disappointing and then just satisfying but you’ll be yourself and likely happy. Great video.

[@jasoneyre9740]

I just came across your channel. Wow, I resonate with your words, well done. It can be difficult, but when we come out and aspire for real love, that is where the magic happens. Growing up Mormon and gay was difficult for me too, but I feel like I've become so much more from my experience. Thank you for your story ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@alyssachavez7403]

ISTG THOUGHT THE TITLE WAS “COMING OUT AS MORMON TO MY PARENTS”

[@leticiagormley7946]

The devil's playground? Lily Dale and the spirtualists there? No, you are so wrong if you say that. The devil's playground is in my underpants! I am proud and strong.

[@1trschaefer78]

He's so sincere! Not wanting to enter into a pretend heterosexual relationship because it would not be fair to the woman.

[@24DOCs]

Hey Jospeh, im all for you. As a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as well and i still respect you for coming out to your Parents. I have a Gay Family Members but are not Members and Love them even alot more for that. Good on Jospeh for being You and being Real. Honestly Dude, Love your honesty to yourself BUT most of all i Love You even more Dude. Sending Love and Hugs all the way from here in Brisbane, Australia Dude!! ❤️💯

[@aglynn4531]

Great video Joseph. You are thoughtful, kind, well spoken, sweet, & seem very mature. Oh, and very handsome, you will be a catch for any guy. As for the "gay life style", no such thing. The only difference is that we sleep with the same sex, otherwise our live style is just like anyone else. We work, cook, clean, grocery shop, do laundry, cut grass, go to church, watch tv, vacation, etc... Some of us have kids, via a former marriage, with surrogates or adoption, & do all the things that any other people with kids do. So, there is no gay life style only life. So, i wish you all the best, and all the love with the special guy that will be lucky enough to be with you.

[@dalekdx]

When my Mom found out I was gay I was 17. I begged her not to tell my best friend's (for 5 years) mother since I thought it would upset her considering how close I was with her son. About three years later I was driving my friend's Mom home and she said she had something to say, but probably shouldn't. I asked her what and I will never forget her telling me that some of her best friends were gay and so is her brother and she loves them and me. It was such a pleasant surprise and we were close friends until she passed away. My friend is married and his wife and him live out of state and they both are very religious. I have never come out to him, but I'm sure he knows.

[@clarasuccess]

God loves all his children I am very proud of you that you served a mission and you're bold to be true to yourself.

[@kellyreilly-robinson2130]

You are such an amazing person with such respect and understanding for your family! It is difficult when you are struggling to find love when you feel misunderstood. I pray you find a loving partner and raise loving kids♥️😊

[@weatherboi]

I greatly admire your courage and support you got and I pray that you will continue receiving love from family and friends.

[@Picla_Peremohy]

Joseph, this is such a great video. Thank you for your courage and honesty. It also seems that your family are true believers as they understand the passage of Matthew 22:34-40. To your happy and fulfilling future. Jim

[@jessicabaker7749]

My best friend and ex fiance was raised in the bible belt in ky he just like you tried for so many yrs to date women it never worked because when it got down to intimacy he just cudnt love them in that way he finally came out this yr 2 months ago only to me he still struggles alot and is still a little in denial I think you are amazing young man you had a great heart about u and to realize at such a young age that it wud not be fair to another female to try and push yourself to be with her as you could never love her the way she should be loved God bless you and thank u for sharing

[@suzique6924]

I just retired from 25 yes teaching public school in Los Angeles County and my school had a large Mormon population. Trust me, every year one or two of our Mormon students were struggling with this same battle.

[@smokey1255]

Joseph, I think you really hit the nail on head with 1) we really need to come out in our own way and at our own time, and 2) our expectations are frequently different from the reality, sometimes not as good as the reality turns out to be and sometimes, unfortunatly, the reality is much worse than we could have ever imagined. I had a vague sense growing up that I was attracted to guys, and I knew for sure I wasn't attracted to girls. I didn't date in high school and only once in college. That one time, with a woman, resulted in my first and last for a long time sexual experience. It wasn't until after college and halfway through my two year Army draft period that my roommate seduced me and I had my first time with a guy. I was about 25 then. We lived together about 4 months. After that, I fled back to the closet and stayed there for about 10 years. I was so scared and so far in the closet I entered a Catholic seminary and actually finished studies for Catholic Priesthood. I was celebate for all this time and beyond. I eventually left, not because of celebacy, but because the lifestyle and calling didn't fit me. I remained celebate several years afterward. Eventually I met a lady who I cared for, I can't say I loved, who couldn't understand why I wouldn"t be intimate with her. After two years of dating I finally agreed but it just wasn't right for me. I finally accepted I was gay at age 35. My usually bad timing meant I came out at the beginning of the AIDS plague so I defaulted to what I was used to, celebacy. I was afraid to come out to my folks but I shouldn't have worried. They accepted it just fine. In fact they suspected I was gay. Well, since then I was in an abusive 6 year relationship and just as I was beginning to enjoy being single again, the perfect man for me walked into my life. That was more than 24 years ago and we are doing great. In case you are wondering, I found an Independent Catholic Community that accepts gay folks and gay marriage. The Bishop ordained me as a priest and when the Bishop retired the community elected me as the new Bishop.

[@almatuomaala5859]

I'm sure you hear this a lot and I already saw someone commenting something simular, but I also want to say that through the whole video I couldn't stop looking at your beautiful eyes. I myself have blue eyes and thought they were boring but you changed my views. I can also relate to you in some way because my mom is a really religous person and she changed churchs from normal church to " a free church"( I live in Finland and couldn't find a better translation, but it's basically a lot stricter church where they don't accept gays etc) because the normal church started accepting gays. When I discoverd I was bisexual I couldn't even think of coming out to my mom because she was a really abusive person and I knew she could have hurt me really badly, but luckily now I live with my dad and can be who I am. I hope you could understand my message here since english is my second language and I still struggle writing it

[@gamingasthetics4494]

Im going to Come out im the next days... PS: you look awwsome

[@josephgarner94]

Master Gamer good luck man!

[@ryanzero6967]

It is such a brave thing that you've done! So happy that you have the love and support of most of your family and friends! :)

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

That sounds like a tough journey but being true to who you are is the best way to ensure you can be happy. ☺️ And you can still get married and have children as a gay man ... many of my friends have. All the best! 👏

[@marohadd]

You're literally the strongest person I've seen, it's never ever easy to come out, every single one of my friends (and me) are (were) suffering from internalised homophobia becaause of their family, some even got hit for being lgbt and it really really hurts, i know how hard it is and I'm really so proud that there are people that has been through similar experiences and passed it. Im really proud of you

[@josephgarner94]

maro hadd thank you 🖤

[@williamneumann780]

A person's real strength is having the courage to be who they really are. Once you know who you are, you have the strength to stand up against the outside world and you gain the respect of those around you, including yourself.

[@ingridollikainen5862]

Organized religion is so damaging. No one should ever feel shame or be afraid to be open about who they are. Yeah, his parents love him regardless, yet view who he is as a “lifestyle.” Religious people love to call it a lifestyle as if it is a choice 🙄

[@bluemoonsy]

You are always an Eagle Scout. A great accomplishment

[@justanotherpersonxo]

I wish i could be as strong as you. You are so brave to come out to your family considering how you grew up.

[@alrush1234]

Thank you for sharing this passage of life that had its difficulties. You are an intelligent and brave person who deserves much respect for the way you handled your journey in an nondestructive healthy approach. Continued happiness to you and all those loving people around you. The partner sharing your life is a lucky man to have such an incredible person by his side. this video will inspire many, thanks for sharing this. xox Alex

[@nortski78]

Ok I'm going to say....you are one handsome dude! I didn't come out until I was 31yo for fear of losing my family and friends which turned out to be dumb as EVERY SINGLE ONE of the people I came out to have been amazing. If I could give any young guy here struggling with this situation I'd say there's no laws to say that you HAVE to come out but if you do, do it while you're young and don't miss out on the best years of your life. Also; it's your own business, no-one else has a right to know your sexuality. If you choose not to tell people, then so be it, still enjoy your life!

[@hercmang2882]

I may not have had the same coming out experience as you but I can tell you that you are who you are. You are still the same person you always have been. My dad figured it out on my own and I told my mom when I was 14. You were really brave coming out to your parents. Consider yourself lucky. I came out to one of my friends who was religious and at first he just said okay. But a few months later he told me I was going to hell. So you were really brave to tell us your story. I just subscribed!

[@josephgarner94]

Thanks man that means a lot:)

[@hercmang2882]

@@josephgarner94 yeah no problem! Glad you are doing well!

[@rightreverendraymondedsawy7212]

I pressed the button to print mid thought. This continues my thoughts. My uncles were Catholic Bishops which is “general authority” in Catholicism, and my grandfather was the recipient of several Papal knighthoods. My great uncle was canonized a Saint by Pope Benedict XVI.Four year after my ordination in 1972, or 1976, I met Albert , and in a few months, “transferred “ to Anglicanism to begin a relationship with him. My integrity demanded it. We are now in our 45th year together, obviously married when we first had the opportunity as early as 2003. We are parents through surrogacy, the youngest is now a college freshman, at home having left his dorm due to COVID closure to virtual at Dartmouth. Our new challenge is an empty nest...tough after being dads for decades. I have met Catholics and Mormons who never accept their responsibility to grow in love, marry and raise a family in a same sex marriage. They live lives to support someone else’s psychosexual orientation, or biblical literalism.....and yes I’ve read your sacred texts. As a “general authority” and almost 76 and he 70, I have been a member of the Smith family (YES) and mine for four and one half decades. We both adopted a new faith in order to worship Christ with integrity. Ok,,I’m a year late to view your video, and you may never see this. Not to mention in two different posts because I clicked and I don’t know how to edit. May “Heavenly Father” bless you....+ Bishop Raymond.

[@jamesexploringonline872]

Hi, listening to you story brought up a lot of emotions, I as much as ppl say it's alright I can sence not, I've been very unstable ss trying to deal with this, also I made a lot of wrong choices. Sorry I mean you made me cry thinking why are things always so hard so wrong for me. I'm at a point of hating myself. Thank you for sharing this with us. I respect your actions. God bless James K

[@Jeremyguy16]

I can totally relate to your story Joseph, even though I never grew up in a Mormon family my grandfather was a preacher so my father grew up in a strong christian family and coming out to him as a gay man was the the hardest out of telling my mother and my 3 older brothers and 4 younger sisters. When I first started to date guys I kept it a secret because I didn’t know how my family would react to it but overall it turned out well, even though I know they aren’t exactly jumping for joy at the thought of me dating other guys I know they still love me.

[@lou-xr5rz]

Wow… that was heartbreaking but also one of the best and most inspiring coming out videos I've ever watched, and I've watched a lot. 💛 I think I was 11 when I knew something was up, and by the time I was 13 I knew without a doubt that I wasn't straight. It's been years and I've been too afraid to bring it up to my parents. Sometimes I sit in church and think about girls and feel so guilty, it's overpowering. I hope that one day I can be as brave and as strong as you have been. You seem like such a sweet, genuine and eloquent person and you deserve all the love in the world.

[@gfersurvived6622]

You are a very well spoken young man.

[@KidRage]

Damn. I remember growing up in the church. Good story bro.

[@mamacitadelosperros533]

What a lovely young man! Don’t change one hair on your head! God made you in His image and would not want you to be someone you are not.

[@deepearthchoir7192]

God bless you man. God loves you. He made you and understands you. Its everybody else that has to pass the test. Will everybody else accept you and love you for your true self. I hope so.

[@ccaelem]

Seeing stuff like this makes me realize how lucky I am. I am sure that my family is skeptical that I am gay especially my mom because when I was maybe 10 I cried to her about my father saying how being gay is a sin. I mean the only people who I risk losing are a few cousins, maybe uncles/aunts and my dad but those are all people who over the years I’ve accepted that they might leave after learning I am gay. I began to realize that the only two people who I truly cared about losing was my mom and grandma who both give very accepting outlooks on gay people. I live in Los Angeles, California so it has been easy for me, I’ve have been openly gay since 7th grade and gained some gay friends while everyone else is rather accepting. I’ve developed a plan to come out to certain people in my family, my mother and grandma I’d come out to once I get a boyfriend who I am confident that I’ll have a fairly serious relationship with and I’ll come out to my dad sometime in college because chances are he will be the least accepting so I’d want him to help get me through college before losing him.

[@milvertonmom50]

Love a good "guncle".

[@alienfromearth9032]

This poor man had to come out TWICE!

[@kenmcdougall6106]

I'm glad, and surprised, that they accepted you, so I guess I learned something new. Although I'd still hold out for the 'not a lifestyle' perspective. Anything that has caused you that much torment, is not a 'lifestyle', any more than it was for any of us. At the end of the day, you really do have to be yourself. Because eventually all of those other people that you tried to please will have died off, and there will be only you left. You don't want to look back at your whole life, and think "This was my one chance to be me, and I threw it away".

[@dr.bandito60]

Hey thanks for sharing this. I'm sorry you have all this to deal with. Keep being strong and seek happiness. You are good and special and loved just as you are. I'm now an exmormon and most of my family is still Mormon. I'm lucky to have a pretty open-minded family. I've been able to keep good relationships and be pretty open with them, which is lovely. I hope things work out better with your family over time. You are doing a good thing, being authentic with them. They might not appreciate it yet, but at least some of them will eventually.

[@sushi777300]

Imagine how bad it feels when you finally accept yourself but no one wants to date you because you're not pretty enough 😞😢

[@Anchovy12]

Thank you for being open to share your story.